2023 Season Countdown: #40 Cam Goode

 

Cam Goode (image via Wolverines Wire)

Name: Cam Goode
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 314 lbs.
High school: Washington (DC) St. John’s
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Sixth year senior
Jersey number: #99
Last year: I ranked Goode #32 and said he would be a backup defensive tackle (LINK). He made 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass breakup.
TTB Rating: N/A

When Goode decided to transfer from UCF to Michigan, there was a little bit of excitement about the quick nose tackle who might be able to generate some pass rush. But that excitement dwindled a little bit, or at least it was redirected to freshman Mason Graham, who had an outstanding freshman season. Goode played as a bench guy in nine games and made 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass breakup, but it was a pretty forgettable year overall.

The outlook is a little brighter for 2023, and while I obviously over-ranked him last season, reading the tea leaves for this year makes me think he's in for some more significant contributions. First of all, starting nose tackle Mazi Smith is off to the NFL after being picked in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys. Second, Goode is returning for a sixth year of college football, and most guys don't come back for a sixth year unless they know there's a good chance of playing time. Third, Michigan could have plumbed the depths of the transfer portal to recruit over him, but they didn't.

Michigan has a nice 1-2 punch at nose tackle with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, but Graham can also play the 3-tech position. You need guys to rotate in on the defensive line, and Goode is nine pounds lighter than he was last year, perhaps by design for more stamina. (He's also listed at 6'1" after being 6'2" last year, but whatever.) Goode should be a decent rotation piece at nose tackle.

Prediction: Backup nose tackle