Iowa Running Back Tyler Goodson Announces End of Hawkeye Career
The Iowa offense certainly didn't need this news, just over three weeks before the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Iowa's leading rusher the past three seasons has played his last game for the Hawkeyes.
Tyler Goodson's announcement that he's declaring for next spring's National Football League draft doesn't come as a big surprise. Many Iowa fans were just hoping the 5'10" 199-pound junior from Suwanee, Georgia would stick with the program through the bowl game. Alas, that was not to be, with Goodson's announcement coming via Twitter earlier this afternoon.
In a media release, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said,
Tyler has been a valuable member of our program throughout his career, and we wish him nothing but success as he pursues his next phase in life and football. Tyler enjoys the game of football. His passion and energy are evident on a daily basis, and we are appreciative of his many contributions to our program. It has been a pleasure having Tyler and his family as part of our program.
Goodson has been a workhorse for the Hawkeyes, rushing for 2,551 yards and 18 touchdowns during his Iowa career. Iowa's top rusher each of the last three years, he's racked up 1,151 yards and six touchdowns this season.
Iowa's second-leading rusher on the season is redshirt freshman Gavin Williams (#25 below). The West Des Moines Dowling product carried 49 times for 217 yards, a 4.2-yard average. Goodson carried 256 times this season.
Senior running back Ivory Kelly-Martin has carried the ball 44 times this year for a total of 190 yards, a 4.4-yard average.
Thursday night, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum (#65 above, blocking for Williams) was named the winner of the Rimington Trophy. The award goes to the best center in college football. Linderbaum, a native of Solon, Iowa, is the first Hawkeye to win the award. During his last three seasons playing center for Iowa, the Hawkeyes are 26-8.