Carter Gooden details his commitment to Tennessee

Tennessee landed a big defensive target on Wednesday when UCLA commit Carter Gooden flipped to Rocky Top. Before announcing his decision, he detailed his decision with Volquest.

“It was Tennessee because of their coaching staff,” Gooden said. “I believe he has the ability to develop me into the best player and best possibility I can become. And they are a winning team with a great reputation of sending guys to the NFL. They win a lot of football games, chances at a national championship and that’s a program I want to be.”

So what put Tennessee over the top of UCLA and Vanderbilt?

“It was just everything,” Gooden said. “It was the first time I’ve got to see Tennessee, the program and school and atmosphere was amazing. Getting to meet the players and seeing how dedicated and focused they were on football and how dedicated the coaches are made me think it’s a great place for me.”

In talking to Rodney Garner, the sales pitch was simple and that’s development.

“His biggest sales pitch was that he sees that I have the measurables and the speed,” Gooden said. “That I have everything. I just need someone to refine my skills and make me into a better football player. He was saying how he can do that and how he has done that with players in the past. He gets them to the most success possible and I believe he can do that for me.”

He also enjoyed getting to know Josh Heupel.

“My conversation with coach Heupel was really good,” Gooden said. “He went over his plans for the program and how it’s going to be successful and how he sees me as a part of the program and helping them win.”

Gooden came to town this past weekend with his mom. Having her find a good feeling about Tennessee was a big deal.

“It’s huge,” Gooden said. “She always wants what’s best for me and she thinks Tennessee will be a great option for me to grow as a football player and a person. It will get me a good college degree and set me up for life.”