Junior College DT loves Alabama visit
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Emmit Gooden, four-star defensive tackle from Independence Community College in Kansas by way of Brownsville, Tennessee, made a surprise visit to Alabama on Saturday. Gooden kept things very quiet about his trip until he posted on his Twitter account. A few other schools wanted him to visit, but he chose to keep the trip to Tuscaloosa under wraps.
"It was great," said Gooden. "We had a meeting with Coach Saban. I met with most of the defensive staff-Coach Pruitt and Coach Dunbar. It was great.
"I never had time to sit down with them. It went well. They liked my size. It was a must-go visit because they needed to see me. They wanted to see what kind of guy I was."
Gooden enjoyed his meetings with the defensive staff. The best part of the visit was sitting down with Nick Saban.
"I looked forward to meeting with Saban," he said. "That was the highlight of my visit. He said I won't just be a player there. I am needed and wanted. He talked to me about the success I would have if I chose Bama. The chance to come play is right in front of me."
The elite junior college star spent the day in Tuscaloosa with his godfather.
"I visited the stadium, dorms and stuff like that," Gooden said. "It went well. The stadium is unbelievable. It was my first time being inside the stadium. I know it's second to none; one of the best in the country."
Gooden has Alabama high on his list after the visit to the Capstone. He knows the Crimson Tide will receive an official visit.
"It's a school I like a lot," he said. "They have interest in me, and I have interest in them. I put in my notepad they have two home games during my bye weeks. They will get an official visit. My gut is telling me I will probably go during the season, but I may wait until after. They will most definitely get an official visit.
"I have to say Saban is what really sticks out to me. Not too many kids have a chance to have a conversation with him. Just to have a conversation with him and see where I stand with them really stood out."