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New Gators OL Kiyaunta Goodwin Impressing Early in Swing Tackle Role

Kentucky transfer and former five-star recruit impressing early in Florida's spring camp.

All Gators Staff

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Photo: Kiyaunta Goodwin; Credit: Zach Goodall

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Most any coach, at any level will be quick to let you know — you can't have too many offensive tackle types.

Rob Sale would likely echo as much, especially if versatility and flexibility within an offensive line group can become a part of the equation. As Florida begins to turn the page to the 2023 season with spring practices, new faces will likely dot the starting five and depth of the next Gators offensive front. 

Among those already impressing and creating expectation simultaneously is Kiyaunta Goodwin, the Kentucky transfer and former five-star recruit. Just a sophomore, the towering prospect is getting his first true reps under Sale and the rest of the UF coaching staff.

Goodwin is listed at 6-foot-8, 353 pounds on the official Florida spring roster.

“You know, his length and size, right? It's hard to find those guys, you gotta get them," Sale said. "Everybody's working hard in recruiting to get them, to get them on your team, especially guys like him, so he's long. 

"He's played left, he can play right, so it’s good to have guys like that, that’s what we need to get, more of them.”

Goodwin has been seen working at right tackle early in the spring practice window, but the potential for a dual role could help the depth of the line in a pinch. 

The extra workload may not be too much on the Kentucky native (by way of Indiana), either, as he has shown up in Gainesville with a noted work ethic evidenced by his weight loss while on campus. Sale mentioned Goodwin showing up at six o'clock most mornings to continue the push to trim.

"He's done a phenomenal job with his weight since he's been here," Sale said. "He's lost like 22 pounds since he's been here. So it's important to him, that's what I liked. You know, if he was struggling it wasn't going down. And you know, then I've got to look at him, 'Alright now. What's the deal?'

"But it's important to him, that's what I like about him. He's always in my office, always asking questions. So, I'm very pleased with him."

In between spring practices, Goodwin has been public about contributing to various community efforts around Gainesville and beyond. It included aid at a local food bank on Wednesday.

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