At home with the Indians

Goodson finds success, happiness in his own backyard.

Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

Ray Goodson doubts that he'll turn in the kind of sensational statistics this year that marked his All-American season of 2003, although offensive coordinator Rob Likens isn't so sure about that.

But either way, Goodson figures to be just as happy. Playing for Southeast Missouri State University in front of family and friends -- along with hopefully winning an Ohio Valley Conference title -- is more than enough to satisfy the former Jackson High School star.

"I love SEMO," said a smiling Goodson with conviction. "I wouldn't want to be any place else."

After being a solid contributor during his first two Southeast seasons -- catching a total of 25 passes -- Goodson became the focal part of the Indians' offense last year and recorded 66 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns as he earned second-team All-American honors while making first-team all-OVC.

Asked if he was surprised by his production last season, Goodson said, "Not really, but I won't have that many catches this year. We have so many good receivers, I know we're going to spread the ball around."

That may be true, but first-year offensive coordinator Likens said, "We plan on getting Ray the ball a bunch. He's a great weapon to have at tight end, a big guy who can really run."

Goodson, a standout all-around athlete in high school -- he was a state wrestling champion as well as a football star -- got feelers from several Division I-A programs but opted to attend college just a few miles down the road from Jackson.

That decision was no doubt popular with Goodson's family as upwards of 20 relatives routinely form his own personal cheering section at home games, and quite a few among that group also attend road contests.

"It's a great feeling, to have all those family members at every game and on the road," Goodson said. "They're my biggest supporters and it's one of the reasons I love playing here."

After an 0-5 start last season, the Indians recovered to win five of their next seven games . They would have earned a share of their first OVC title and gained the program's inaugural playoff berth by beating Jacksonville State in the finale, but the Indians lost 22-17 at home.

This year, Goodson and his teammates are intent on proving that they are one of the OVC's elite programs. After being the preseason conference favorite last season, Southeast is ranked fourth out of nine squads in this year's preseason poll.

"We're fired up. Our offense is coming together, we've got talent all over the field and we've got depth," Goodson said. "We're not the favorites this year, so there's no pressure on us at all. We can just go out and see what we've got.

"If we play together as a team, we should have a good shot at winning the OVC championship. That's the biggest thing I like about this year, we're a true team and I think that unity will really help us."

The 6-foot-4 Goodson, who has bulked up to 245 pound, is majoring in general studies. With his size and athletic ability, he figures to at least receive some looks from National Football League scouts. But if a professional career doesn't work out, he's pretty certain what the future holds.

"I hope to get a shot at the NFL, but if not I plan on going back to work on the farm with my dad," Goodson said.

There's that family theme again, which Goodson figures you can't go wrong with.