The Technician

Steele said that Goodman has become a “dominant” force on the defense.

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sun Aug 21 18:24:00 GMT-04:00 2011

CLEMSON – Coming soon to a football field, not a movie screen, near you – The Technician.

The Technician stars Malliciah GoodmanMalliciah Goodman
Defensive End
#97 6-4, 265
Florence, SC
View Full Profile , the 6-4, 280-pound junior out of Florence re-dedicated himself to the game during this past spring – a la Da’Quan Bowers of a year ago – and hopes to write a sequel to Bowers’ breakout campaign of last year when he led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss.

During Saturday’s scrimmage in Death Valley, Goodman continued a plot that he hopes plays all out this season - recording two sacks - and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said that the rest of Goodman’s game has finally caught up with the best part of his game – his technique.

“He is a technician out there, no doubt about it,” Steele said. “He's really mastered the technique of the position. But he's really playing well with his hands. His footwork is good. His power is good. He's converting when they give a play-action fake. You've got a run read, then you have to convert and pass rush. He's doing a nice job with that.”

True freshman defensive tackle DeShawn WilliamsDeShawn Williams
Defensive Tackle
#99 6-1, 295
Central, SC
View Full Profile looked over at Goodman during Saturday’s team picture day at the stadium, and called him “The Technician”, saying that Goodman had the best technique of any of the defensive linemen.

Steele said that watching Goodman on film only helps the younger players like Williams.

"Plus, just the fact that his motor -he has that relentless effort and technique- is on the film,” Steele said. “So the others see that. “They see him dominating at his position, playing with great technique, and it makes theme realize what they have to do to play at this level.”

Goodman said he wants to continue to play well, even into the fourth quarter.

"I know you're technique kind of falls out of place when you're tired," Goodman said. "That's one thing I've really been working on is my consistency. I am trying to be more consistent with my technique, pass rush-wise, eyes and all of that. When you know your job, it’s a lot easier to be more aggressive.”

Steele said that Goodman has become a “dominant” force on the defense.

“The thing that's probably the most encouraging about Malliciah, he's becoming a dominant player at that position," Steele said. "As that happens, he'll start affecting others around him. That's what we're looking for. We're looking for guys that can not only dominate at their position, but they're dominant enough to affect their teammates around them. He's getting close to that."

Starting right tackle Landon WalkerLandon Walker
Offensive Line
#72 6-6, 310
North Wilkesboro, NC
View Full Profile said earlier last week that he thinks Goodman has a chance to be one of the best players in the ACC in 2011.

“Based on everything I have seen, Malliciah is the best player on the defense right now,” Walker said. “I have to go against him every day, so I am biased. But I think he is one of the best defensive ends in the ACC. In fact, in my biased opinion, he is the best. He has improved so much since last year and he is having a great camp. Hopefully he can stay healthy and have a great season.”

Knowing that he was in line to replace All-American Da'Quan Bowers, Goodman realized he needed to elevate his game.

"I knew I was going to have to step up. I haven't done much since I've been here,” Goodman said. “I was just like, ‘it's time for me to step up’ and knew it was time for me to do that. That’s what I am trying to do. My technique has been better and my effort has gotten better, it’s just knowing the game. I am not trying to get 16 sacks or anything like that – I think the numbers will fall into place if you know your job.”

Meanwhile, he continues to be a star on the big screen whenever Steele watches film, and now he wants to see it on the big stage.

“He has probably jumped off the film as much as anybody,” Steele said. “He is just dominating his opponent. Now that has to carry over into the games.”