Goodson caps big junior season with national award

Southeast Missouri State University junior Ray Goodson considers blocking to be his strength.

But Goodson turned into one of the nation's premier Division I-AA pass-catching tight ends this year -- and now he has an All-American award to show for it.

Goodson, a former Jackson High School standout, became Southeast's third All-American this season on Thursday when he was selected a second-teamer by CollegeSportsReport.com.

Earlier in the week, senior center Eugene Amano made the American Football Coaches Association first team, and junior cornerback Dimitri Patterson made The Sports Network second team and The Associated Press third team.

"I think my strength is blocking, but I was happy to be a bigger part of the offense this season," Goodson said.

Goodson wasn't just a bigger part of the Indians' offense in 2003 -- he was the biggest part after catching a team-high 66 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns to make the all-Ohio Valley Conference first team.

"Ray is very deserving of the All-America award," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "He was our go-to guy this season and really made some big plays for us. He has all the attributes of a great tight end, and I think he will be one of the best in the nation next season."

Goodson, who caught 17 passes last season after having eight receptions as a freshman, was happy to make all-conference -- and he's elated to earn All-American honors.

"It's unbelievable to make an All-America team," Goodson said. "It's a great honor. I just hope it carries over to next season and inspires me to work even harder to get ready for next season."

mmishow@semissourian.com

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