Armoni Goodwin is a resident of Trussville, Alabama, and he wasn't expected to be leaving the Yellowhammer State to be play his college football. The four-star running back had his sights set on joining the Auburn Tigers for the 2021 season.
In addition to former Auburn head man Gus Malzahn getting Goodwin's initial committment, Goodwin received offers from Iron Bowl rival Alabama, as well as Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Jacksonville State, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Ole Miss, SMU, Tennessee, and Alabama-Birmingham.
The Hewitt-Trussville High School star RB had been an Auburn commit since his sophomore season, and it's clear that his talent is widely respected and sought after. The Crimson Tide gave Goodwin an offer over a year later, but despite any possible contemplation, he did not decommit from his initial pledge.
LSU, however, was able to persuade him.
Armoni Goodwin Recruiting
Auburn ???????? running back commit Armoni Goodwin of Hewitt Trussville takes it 65-yards to the house!
Midway through the 4th qtr, the No. 5 RB in the country per the 247Sports composite, has rushed for 138 yards on 15 carries for a 9.2 average and 2 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/nxW5dUGYTA
— Skye Underwood (@SkyeUnderwood) August 22, 2020
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There was worry that Armoni Goodwin would not be able to return to full strength for his senior year after a torn ACL and MCL ended his 2019 season prematurely. However, his knee injury is considered part of the past, and he is back to firing on all cylinders.
As a sophomore, Goodwin was the focal point of Hewitt Trussville's offense, rushing for 1,458 yards and scoring 15 Huskies touchdowns. He is a bit undersized at 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, but he makes up for it with blinding quickness and an ability to weave through defenders.
Goodwin was named a MaxPreps Preseason All-American in 2020.
RB Armoni Goodwin Highlights
Running backs are not known for their durability or lengthy careers, so it is admittedly a bit concerning that Goodwin needed to have the reconstructive surgery before his college career even begins. He undoubtedly had the potential to help bring Auburn football to even greater heights, but Tigers fans won't have the opportunity to see Goodwin in blue and orange
Goodwin had frequent communication with Auburn running backs coach Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, according to AL.com, and was presumably planned to be paired with Tank Bigsby, who has the chance to be a superstar in his own right.
Armoni Goodwin Decommits From Auburn
— Armoni Goodwin (@ArmoniGoodwin24) November 30, 2020
Goodwin officially decommitted from Auburn in a post written on social media. He said he believes he "rushed into committing" as a sophomore in high school.
"First off, I want to start off by thanking Coach Malzahn, Coach Cadillac and Auburn University for recruiting me and believing in me. But after many sleepless night and a lot of praying I have decided to decommit from Auburn University and open up my recruitment process. I was overwhelmed and think that I rushed into committing, without thinking that this is the biggest decision of my life right now. Auburn University is still in my top 3. I just want to explore my options, during this short amount of time, to make sure that I make the best decision because this has not been easy for me. My trust is in God, therefore I know I will be making the right decision," he wrote.
Texas, Miami, Ohio State, and Oklahoma had the chance to get in the mix for Goodwin's services, but he decided to stick in the SEC West.
Armani Goodwin Enrolls at LSU
Goodwin, a longtime Auburn commit, didn't wait long to commit and join the LSU football program. The four-star athlete signed his letter of intent with the LSU Tigers during the early signing period, marking a big nab for Orgeron and running backs coach Kevin Faulk.
The recent success of NFL running backs and LSU alum Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Leonard Fournette certainly didn't hurt in wooing Goodwin to Baton Rouge.
LSU looks to return to the College Football Playoff to compete for an NCAA championship. Things are looking up, as Ed Orgeron sports the No. 3 recruiting class in the country. Goodwin and fellow 4-star back Corey Kiner definitely have the skills to help them get there.
Considering Goodwin was committed to a rival school and is a top-100 prospect, I'd say LSU did well in coaxing him to Baton Rouge. Whether or not he ends up being the next great LSU running back remains to be seen.
