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Tyler Goodson opts out of Citrus Bowl to prepare for NFL Draft
‘Valuable member of our program’ first Iowa player to announce plans to skip Citrus Bowl
IOWA CITY — Iowa running back Tyler Goodson will not play in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1 as he prepares for the NFL Draft, he said Friday in a tweet.
“Similar to a lot of young kids growing up, I have always dreamed of the opportunity to play in the National Football League, and I am beyond grateful that the time is quickly approaching,” Goodson said in the tweet. “I will forever consider myself a Hawkeye and look forward to making my family, friends and Hawkeye Nation proud at the next level.”
Goodson rushed for 1,151 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry in 2021 despite having a young offensive line in front of him.
He is the first Iowa player to opt out of the upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup against Kentucky.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz called Goodson a “valuable member of our program” in a statement released Friday.
“We wish him nothing but success as he pursues his next phase in life and football,” Ferentz said. “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.”
DraftCountdown.com listed Goodson on Dec. 9 as the 155th-best prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, which would translate to a projected fifth-round pick. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. did not include the 5-foot-10 back in his Dec. 7 list of the top 10 running backs in the 2022 draft class.
Goodson’s departure will likely thrust redshirt freshman Gavin Williams into a starting role against Kentucky.
Williams, an Altoona native, has been listed as the second-team running back on Iowa’s depth chart. He had 12 carries for 56 yards against No. 2 Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Other options at running back include senior Ivory Kelly-Martin and redshirt freshman Leshon Williams.
Kentucky moved from a 2.5-point favorite to 3-point favorite Friday, according to odds from Caesars Sportsbook. FanDuel Sportsbook also opened with the Wildcats as 2.5-point favorites before moving them to now 3-point favorites.
Comments: (319) 398-8394; john.steppe@thegazette.com
Iowa Hawkeyes running back Tyler Goodson (15) fights for yardage with Michigan Wolverines defensive backs Vincent Gray (center) and DJ Turner (5) during the second half of the Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind, on Saturday, December 4, 2021. Michigan won 42-3. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
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