BOCA RATON – Way back in the fall, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that Matt Goodman was going to play college ball for Carleton.
The St. Andrew’s outgoing senior linebacker made it official by pledging his commitment to the Division III school on Jan. 21. This decision was easy because of the level of love he received from the Northfield, Minn.-based institution.
“I went on a visit in late September, and I had a great time,” said the 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker, who chose Carleton over Hobart and Grinnell. “I have a very strong relationship with all the coaches, and they made me feel incredibly comfortable with my decision.”
Looking back at his senior season, Goodman had some breakthrough moments at St. Andrew’s. The team leader and captain had 70+ tackles (10 TFL’s), 3 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 touchdown in 11 games played.
Goodman’s best individual game came in Week 1 against Palmer Trinity, when he registered 11 tackles, 5 TFL’s and 1 touchdown in a 22–14 loss. He later went on to help the Scots win 7 of their next 9 games, which resulted in their first FHSAA playoff berth since 1974.
“I had an incredible senior season both personally and from a team perspective,” he said. “I played the best football I have ever played, which helped propel my team into the playoffs for the first time in 45 years. Additionally, this was the best team I have ever been a part of. We are truly a family. Being named to the All-State team was also really meaningful for me because my dad was All-State 30 years ago as the captain of St. Andrew’s. Overall, it was an amazing year.”
Goodman was highly effusive of Scots head coach Jimmy Robertson and his coaching staff.
“Coach Robertson came into the program my freshman year and he has had nothing but enthusiasm since the start,” Goodman said. “He has been an amazing coach and mentor the past four years. I told every freshman at the start of the year that Coach Robertson would do anything for any of you and will always have your back. I can’t wait to watch his continued success with the SA program in the years to come.”
More Goodman on Robertson:
“He has also done a great job creating a great staff behind him,” Goodman said. “The entire coaching staff is beyond dedicated to every player on the team and their personal development. I can’t thank the entire coaching staff enough for all their efforts on my behalf over the past four years and I will miss working with every one of them.”
In addition to all this, Goodman (No. 92 overall player in Palm Beach County; 2020 class) received a special honor from former NFL player and Palm Beach County legend Abe Elam. He earned the Abe Elam Community Award on Aug. 11, 2019 at the the ESPNTop63 Awards Ceremony, which was held at Keiser University.
“That was an incredible honor,” Goodman said. “I actually had no idea that I was receiving that award as Coach Robertson kept it a secret. I have to thank Gast Construction, Abe Elam, Coach Robertson and everyone else involved in making that happen. It was such a special night for me and my family, and I can’t thank everyone enough.”
Goodman reflected on his high school experience at St. Andrew’s.
“I have had so many amazing memories at SA,” Goodman said. “I loved being a part of a program that started 2-7 my freshman year and ended 7-4 in my senior year with our first playoff appearance in 45 years. Being the captain of a high school football team is a privilege and I loved every second of it. I will always look back on it as an incredibly positive experience.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Carleton Football, St. Andrew’s School, and ESPN West Palm
