UCLA Football Recruiting: DB Tahaan Goodman

One of the most important positions of need for the UCLA Bruins 2013 recruiting class is defensive backs.  With a very thin safety corps and both starting corners winding down their careers, DB’s are of utmost importance and Tahaan Goodman may be the best one on the Bruins radar.

Tahaan is 6-2, 190 pounds, and has the potential to make an impact right away at safety.  The Rancho Cucamonga product has offers from nearly every football powerhouse across the country.  He has yet to narrow his list down significantly, but it is believed the Bruins are a real contender for his services.

As a player, Goodman is rangy and solid in coverage.  He is very polished in man to man coverage, which is rare for many high school safeties, and has good instincts in zone.

Goodman’s biggest strength, however, is his ability to support in the run game.  He is big, aggressive, and a very sound tackler.

Tahaan’s biggest weakness right now is his ball skills.  He has average hands and needs to improve on finishing plays while the ball is in the air.  More interceptions will come with better judgment and better hands.

Let’s take a look at the tape:

From the video, you can see Goodman is a physical specimen.  It is apparent that he has solid football instincts and a nose for the ball.  As a prospect, he is similar to Dietrich Riley in his aggressive nature, but doesn’t have Dietrich’s build quite yet.  He is also savvy and understands coverage.

Tahaan plays with a chip on his shoulder and despite a recent family tragedy, he has kept a positive attitude about football.

Coach Mora, Demetrice Martin, and the rest of the staff will have to battle for Goodman’s services and it could come down to the wire with Southern Cal.  With UCLA returning to its winning ways, we are certain to see many more battles between the Bruins and Trojans for recruits.

Round one- we’ll see.