There’s a line in the song “The World Is Yours” off rapper Nas’ classic “Illmatic” album.
“My strength, my son, a star will be my resurrection
Born in correction, all the wrong sh-t I did, he’ll lead in right direction.”
Former Mets pitching legend Dwight Gooden can relate to those words when it comes to his life and his youngest son of six kids, Dylan.
During his MLB career Gooden, aka Dr. Doom, aka Doc, went 194-112 as a starting pitcher for the Mets, Yankees, Indians, Astros and Rays. Gooden is a Black Ace, one of just 15 melanated mound marauders to post a 20-win season.
Gooden burst into the league as a 19-year-old flame-throwing phenom in 1984, helping to propel the Mets above the Yankees as New York’s glamour squad. His story is one of tragedy and triumph, and Doc accomplished a lot in his baseball career, including being a four-time All-Star, two-time World Series Champion, Cy Young Award winner and won multiple championships. He’s also a pitching Triple Crown winner (wins, strikeouts and earned run average), NL Rookie of the Year, MLB wins leader, MLB ERA leader and two-time strikeout leader.
If not for off-the-field troubles that curtailed his meteroric rise, Gooden would have been a shoo-in for Cooperstown induction. Instead, he’s the poster child for any cautionary tale about athletes, money, pressure, drugs and the temptations of city life.
Dylan Gooden Following Dad’s Athletic Background
Dylan Gooden doesn’t throw heat, but he brings it on the football field as a 2023 four-star edge rusher from Olney, Maryland, where he plays for the Our Lady of Good Counsel Falcons. Gooden’s team participates in arguably one of the five best high school football leagues in the country (WCAC). With games annually against the DeMatha Stags, Gonzaga College High School Eagles and St. John’s Cadets, the talent level is formidable.
Big shout out to my youngest son Dylan (15yr) playing football & basketball at Good counsel HS @DylanGooden4 pic.twitter.com/XFHxVObDh7
— Dwight Gooden (@DocGooden16) March 24, 2020
Gooden showed out in that conference this past season as he led the Falcons to the brink of a championship, coming up just short in the title game to the Cadets. For his efforts, he received his fourth star, making him one of the highest-rated players at his position in the country. He’s the No. 11-rated edge rusher in the nation, and he’s ranked No .2 at his position in the football-rich state of Maryland.
Year 3 highlights! https://t.co/gkiZTBUmMp
— Dylan Gooden (@DylanGooden4) November 23, 2021
Gooden Will Ball At The Power 5 Level: Schools Covet His Length & Versatility On The Edge
The versatile and Uber athletic Gooden holds offers from 17 Power 5 institutions, including Arizona, Boston College, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Old Dominion, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, and West Virginia.
Gooden recently tweeted out a list of eight schools who made his final cut.
https://twitter.com/dylangooden4/status/1478094864772440064?s=21
Texas A&M, Penn State, WVA, Michigan State, Maryland, Notre Dame, Miami, Tennessee all made the list to secure the rising pass rusher/outside linebacker’s commitment.
The Maryland Terrapins Need This Commitment: Can’t Let Talent Like This Out Of The State
With Gooden being a prized recruit located in the state of Maryland, it’s imperative Michael Locksley and the rising Terrapins do everything in their power to keep him in-state. He provides a position of need for a Terps program that has no problem scoring points with quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and wide receivers Rakim Jarrett and Dontay Demus all scheduled to return to College Park for the next few seasons.
Maryland’s glaring weakness has been on the defensive side of the football. The recruitment of Gooden is a moment of truth for Maryland’s ability to compete in the Big Ten. They just can’t allow conference foes, Penn State and Michigan State to take Gooden. West Virginia is also reportedly very high on Gooden’s list.
‘23 Good Counsel four-star DE/OLB Dylan Gooden kept the #Terps in the mix after releasing his top group on Monday https://t.co/CJgxV95vrJ
— Inside the Black & Gold (@Insideblackgold) January 6, 2022
Gooden’s strengths are UMD’s weaknesses. Currently at 205 pounds, he could play at 230-240 with ease. He’s a high-level athlete who has fast-twitch muscles. His length and speed off the edge is what intrigues the Power 5 schools. A high motor enables him to track down plays on back side.
The weight room will become his best friend over the next year as he adds bulk to his slender, wiry frame. Speed is his best asset as of now, so the continued development would make him less of a one-trick pony. He’ll have a huge effect on whatever Power 5 program he chooses and has the chance to be an NFL prospect.
When it comes to his son Dylan, Doc hit this one out of the park.
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