Ever since Goodson was in high school, he’s stepped up into any role thrown at him.

After attending North Gwinnett High School in a state and district that his mom, Felicia Goodson, said posed a rigorous opportunity both academically and athletically, Goodson felt prepared for what was ahead in his career at Iowa.

In high school, he would work out with a trainer after football practice. Then, he would go home, sit down, and focus on his academics for hours after.

That kind of mentality was always present for Goodson.

“When he was in high school, he was a junior, they won a state championship, and he literally saddled that team on his back without flinching,” Felicia Goodson said. “I just think, I don’t know that it’s something you can teach. I just think it’s an innate ability that he possesses.”

Coming from a tight-knit family that now full-heartedly supports him 832 miles away from Iowa City, looking for a community and family atmosphere was important to Goodson.

Differing from other programs, the focus was on things outside of football, too, when he visited Iowa.

“Tyler approached the recruiting process way differently than I think most guys do,” Felicia Goodson said. “I personally was kind of taken at how mature he was when he made a decision. He looked at things outside of football, he looked for [a] family-oriented environment, he’s looked for a city in a community that was kind of reflective of what he was used to.”

Goodson and his parents have a strong relationship. So, when he learned he would be starting, his mom was the last to know.

Goodson had wanted her to come to the game so he could surprise her with the career moment, but instead, she stayed home with Goodson’s youngest brother. They had gone to a movie, so she missed a pregame phone call from Goodson and his first-quarter performance of 65 yards on eight carries.

“It was overwhelming. I kind of say on social media a lot, as a parent, there’s nothing like watching your kids live out their dream,” Felicia Goodson said. “Tyler is a hard worker. He’s trained pretty much all his life for this time and this moment.

“To see all of the hard work and sweat and tears and stuff that he’s put in over the years paying off, I’m just really excited for him. It’s just an overwhelming feeling as a parent.”

Now, Goodson is a major part of the Hawkeye offense and family. He’s provided a spark, and even as a freshman, seems like he can handle anything.

Ferentz has talked about it countless times: whatever the team throws at Goodson, he handles with ease.

“Even since Tyler was a little boy, he’s always been extremely confident, very just independent,” Felicia Goodson said. “He had a boldness that I never had, that’s for sure. Never scared of a challenge.”