COLUMBIA- The Missouri linebacking corp recently lost Luke Lambert for the season with a shoulder injury. In this week's edition of Blumberg Off The Bench, hear the story of a young Mizzou linebacker who is hoping to help make up for the loss.
Teammates call him quiet, funny, and physical. Zaviar Gooden is just starting to show everyone why his coaches and teammates entrusted him to a special number before he ever played in a game.
Speed.
"He only has one speed and that's full speed, and that's what we like about him," Senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said.
Strength.
"Just as strong, if not stronger than most people on this team," Junior defensive back Kevin Rutland said.
The total package.
"He's a freak of an athlete strength and speed wise," Sophomore linebacker Will Ebner said.
Zaviar Gooden is only a Redshirt Freshman, but he's earning respect, just like he gives it.
"Coaches are getting on him, he's 'Yes Sir, No Sir.' Doesn't talk back. He laughs every now and then, but his expressions aren't over the top," said Rutland.
"Just my upbringing. My parents taught me that. The high school program I came from. I just always say Yes Sir, No Sir," said Gooden.
Too good to be true. Gooden isn't animated, but his favorite pastime is. He likes watching cartoons. Batman and Superman are just a couple of his favorites.
"I always loved the Ninja Turtles. They are my favorite cartoon. I still got the movies and I still watch it every now and then," said Gooden.
Gooden says he models himself after Raphael, the tough one of course.
"I don't know, he's just always been my favorite one. He's just fearless and he's just always ready to fight so I just liked him the most," said Gooden.
Gooden also carries a responsibility every time he puts on his jersey. He's the first Tiger to permanently wear number 25. Mizzou has honored Aaron O'Neal's number for the past four years.
"I can't fail wearing that number. I have to go out there and handle my business on the field, in the classroom and on the field. I try to wear it proudly," said Gooden.
Teammates call him quiet, funny, and physical. Coach Pinkel says it's nice to have a quiet guy in the same room with Sean Weatherspoon, the biggest talker on the team.
Gooden's favorite funny cartoon is Spongebob-Squarepants.
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