Interview: Missouri 2018 WR Mario Goodrich among Top All-Around Athletes in 2018 Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Size, speed, strength, and determination travels playing on any high school gridiron in the nation. Scrolling through the list of top Class of 2018 athletes with playmaking abilities in all three phases of the game, few can stack up to Missouri wide receiver/cornerback Mario Goodrich.

Goodrich exploded onto the scene in 2015 giving a glimpse of what was to come pulling in seven passes for 112 yards with two scores. On defense he tallied 45 tackles, 32 solo, with one tackle for a loss, eight passes broken up, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery. His ability to gain field position and change the momentum of the contest expanded into the return game taking 15 kickoffs back 458 yards and seven punts back 82 yards. All the hard work helped Lee’s Summit West to a 6-6 finish during his sophomore season.

All eyes were on the 6-2, 180 pound, talent in 2016 wanting to see what he could do after a year of off-season workouts against 6A competition. Goodrich did not disappoint elevating his game to new heights. Adding a new dimension to his game, Goodrich carried the rock 26 times for 181 yards with two scores and secured 15 receptions for 282 yards with six touchdowns sporting an 18.8 yard per catch average with everyone trying to stop him.

Defenses kept trying to test him, and unwisely so. After 12 games, Goodrich had 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, seven interceptions, 12 passes broken up, and one fumble recovery. His experience in the return game paid off taking nine punts back 253 yards and seven kickoffs for 183 yards.

Goodrich has the skill set to play at the Division-I level as a receiver, corner, and/or punt returner. This fact is not lost on college coaches. So far the Kansas City area product has eight scholarship offers for football. The two-sport star also has four offers to play collegiate basketball.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with the four-star prospect going over his junior campaign and off-season workouts while getting an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Mario, you are a dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball, which position is your favorite, receiver or corner?

“Corner.”

You picked off three passes during your sophomore year and seven during your junior season, were you surprised that quarterbacks kept throwing your way in 2016?

“Yes. They did not throw my way until the fourth game of the season. I faked them out to bait them. I didn’t think I would get any picks this year. The day I said that I got one.”

How many pick-sixes do you have for your career?

“Six or seven. I don’t know.”

That’s funny that you have so many you are unsure. How many special teams touchdowns do you have at the varsity level heading into your senior year?

“I think three.”

When the ball is kicked off to you, how do you set up your return with such great success?

“I just wait a little bit. I look for the hole with a jog and then sprint and try to hit it.”

What separates you from other all-around athletes in your peer group?

“Probably my competitiveness.”

And speed. What are you working on during the off-season to prepare for your senior year?

“Right now I am doing basketball. I will start my workouts with my trainer after that. The main focus is on footwork and lifting.”

What is the fastest 40-yard dash you have posted?

“A 4.4 at school.”

What feedback have you received from college coaches regarding your game?

“They like my ability to break on balls and my quickness.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Purdue, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Michigan.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“Eight; Missouri, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Memphis.”

Are there any schools showing a little more interest than the others?

“Kansas and Missouri.”

Have you taken any game day visits?

“Yes. I went to Arkansas for the Alabama game, to Mizzou for the Georgia game, and to Nebraska for the Minnesota game.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I am going to Mizzou this weekend. I think I am going to Iowa the week after that.”

What has you excited about the Mizzou visit?

“I’m very excited about the visit. I know a few people that go there. I’m excited to talk to the coaches again on campus.”

What has you excited about the Iowa visit?

“I’m excited because I have never been on their campus. I want to see what it is like so I can start making my decision.”

Are you going to any camps this off-season?

“I plan on going to the Under Armour Camp in Chicago and one of the Nike Opening Regional Camps. I’m not sure which one.”

I know you are playing basketball for Lee’s Summit West. Are you playing any other sports?

“No, sir.”

How is the basketball season going?

“It is going good so far. We are 17-1. We play the team (Blue Springs) we lost to earlier in the year tonight. We are hoping to get some revenge on them tonight.”

*Lost 67-62. Ranked No. 1 in Missouri by MaxPreps.

Do you know what you are averaging on the court?

“18 points.”

Do you hold any basketball offers?

“I have offers from Denver, Miami Ohio, Tulsa, and DePaul.”

Which sport favorite?

“Football.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, sir. I take the ACT next month.”

Coming off the biggest game in football, how has the Super Bowl motivated you?

“I want to be just like Tom Brady and be the goat one day.”

Mario, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your basketball season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Kansas City Star; No. 3 Mario Goodrich breaks for another touchdown.

Photo credit: Kansas City Star; No. 3 Mario Goodrich splits the defense.

Photo credit: Kansas City Star; No. 3 Mario Goodrich races ahead of the defense.