Evan Goodman of Lakeland: Top 50 recruit

Sometimes looks aren't deceiving.

One glance at Lakeland (Fla.) High School 6-foot-4, 290-pound tackle Evan Goodman and there's one natural response. 

Football player.

Physically imposing football player.



OK, so that's two responses, but one thing most would not guess is that Goodman is still in high school.

He's the No. 45 recruit overall from the class of 2012 in the country, according to CBS/MaxPreps recruiting expert Tom Lemming.

"He could blend in with NFL players and you wouldn't know the difference," CBS/MaxPreps recruiting expert Tom Lemming said. "In person there may not be another lineman in the country who looks better than Mr. Goodman."

"Mister Goodman" is a good tag because he indeed looks and plays like a man among boys.

Besides his long, lean and muscular body, Goodman is something of a physical freak, according to Lakeland assistant coach and Athletic Director Dan Talbot.

"From a standing position, he can dunk a basketball with both hands," Talbot said. "He can power clean 290 pounds. … He's blessed and worked hard to develop a tremendous physique. He just looks like an offensive lineman."



But there's so much more to Goodman, Talbot said.

"He's a great kid, works hard and is extremely respectful," he said. "He's a student of the game. He pays attention to everything you tell him. He absorbs."

He gobbles up offensive linemen from the defensive end spot and punishes defensive linemen who try to get physical from his left tackle position.

"He looks good on both sides of the ball," Lemming said. "But I believe he will become an All-American at either tackle or guard in college."

He's committed to join his fraternal twin Devin Goodman, a 6-2, 270-pound freshman center at Arizona State, a school Evan didn't visit officially. He made that announcement on Aug. 1.

Curiously, Evan took an official visit to Notre Dame on Sept. 2 and according to reports, plans a trip to Auburn on Friday.



Talbot said Evan was unavailable for interview, but raved about his star lineman's character. All the Lakewood coaches have. He and his brother appear to be can't miss kids.

"Evan and his brother are just super kids," Lakeland head coach Bill Castle told reporters when Evan committed to ASU. "They work hard, are very coachable and athletic. Getting both of them is a real big thing. They're very close."

Evan is bigger and taller than his brother and more explosive.

He's a big reason why Lakeland has started the season at 6-0 and averaging more than 300 rushing yards per game.

"He's big, strong, aggressive, tough and relentless," Lemming said. "He shows a great burst off the line, dominates at the point of attack, can slide and mirror, shows good balance and quick feet in pass protection.

"He's a real powerhouse with a bright future."