Tavares Gooden LB 6�2 238 Miami

Gooden was a reserve linebacker and special teamer as a true freshman in 2003. He moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore, and had a huge season. He finished the year with 83 tackles, ten of them coming for a loss. Things have gone downhill from there however. Gooden injured his shoulder in the opener in 2005, and missed the rest of the season. He returned to the lineup as a part time starter last year and had 41 tackles, five of them for loss. In his last season with the Canes, Gooden finally came through with a standout season the team was expecting after his big sophomore season. He led the team with 100 tackles, three for loss, and an interception on the year.

Gooden has an excellent package of skills. He is a great athlete, with excellent quickness and speed. He has all the talent to run plays down sideline to sideline, drop into coverage, and to get into the backfield and make plays. He has also shown the versatility to play both strong side and weak side linebacker.

Consistency has been an issue with Gooden. He does not play up to his talent level, and has regressed after a strong sophomore season. Durability has also been a concern. He had a shoulder injury in 2004, and missed the following year with another shoulder injury. He also missed time last season because of a concussion.

Gooden is a player who could blow up if he lives up to his potential. He has a lot of work to do, but the talent is there. He has the ideal blend of talent to be a standout on the weakside, but has to be more consistent on the field.