Ahmad Gooden
DE/OLB
Samford

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Ahmad Gooden: 6’2, 245, 4.7. 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

Ahmad Gooden: Grossetti Performance ( Pittsburgh, PA).

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the 2019 Tropical Bowl.

 

Ahmad Gooden: The Tropical Bowl put me in a setting where I had to adjust, think fast, and adapt on the fly.  I played linebacker, which I haven’t had too many snaps at.  Overall, I was around some great players and some great coaches that gave me all they could in that short amount of time.  Blessed to have the opportunity.

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you faced during the all-star game weekend?

 

Ahmad Gooden: Best player I came across there was the tight end from Mississippi State (Justin Johnson). 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing that you will take away from the Tropical Bowl?

Ahmad Gooden: Overall experience.  From being in an uncomfortable position and conquering the adversity that came with it.  Matching and exceeding the competition of bigger school guys.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

 

Ahmad Gooden: Georgia Tech, MTSU, Memphis, Alabama, South Alabama, NIU, Ole Miss, Missouri, Georgia Southern and Chattanooga.

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Samford?

 

Ahmad Gooden: They were consistent with recruiting and showed a lot of love.  They have a great program as well as education that would be received.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Ahmad Gooden: My mentality.  My motor and passion.  I play hard and I have a great nose for the ball.  My love for the game shows in my play.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

Ahmad Gooden: The fundamentals as a defender.  I’m always trying to improve my hips and hands.  Training my eyes and working on 1v1 in space with coverages.

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

 

Ahmad Gooden: I’ve improved each season at Samford as a player.  I was DPOY my junior year and made multiple All-American selections my junior and senior seasons.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Ahmad Gooden: Being DPOY in 2017 and finishing 7th for the Buck Buchanan award that same year, as well as the 55-yard touchdown this past season. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of? 

 

Ahmad Gooden: Being able to influence and lead my teammates.  Seeing younger guys grow into their potential knowing that they look up to and follow in my footsteps.

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

Ahmad Gooden: How to be responsible and how important it is for each and every person to do their job on the field, being trustworthy.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Ahmad Gooden: Khalil Mack.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL?

Ahmad Gooden: Killer first step and deadly hands.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?

Ahmad Gooden: I’m checking for formations, down and distance, RB depth and offensive tackles’ stance.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next
season?

 

Ahmad Gooden:  Chris Shelling, Aaron Atkinson, Justin Foster and Jamond Glass.

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your teammate QB Devlin Hodges?

Ahmad Gooden:  A tremendous competitor.  He’s truly talented and gives the game all he has.  He’s a leader.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

 

Ahmad Gooden:  Deondre Francois or Chandler Burks.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Ahmad Gooden:  It’s a platform for so many different things.  It allows me to be passionate about the physicality of it, as well as reach out and motivate/influence those that follow the game.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

 

Ahmad Gooden:  A person that examines situations and creates a plan to pursue a successful outcome.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Ahmad Gooden:  When I’m not improving myself as a player, I like to play fortnite, read, enjoy my family, friends, and teammates.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

 

Ahmad Gooden:  I want to live my life on the grill cooking.  Out on a lake or ocean fishing, traveling and enjoying my love ones.

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Ahmad Gooden:  Hardworking, passionate, optimistic, determined and lively.