“Last Chance U” Star Emmit Gooden signs with Finland’s Seinäjoki Crocodiles
The Seinäjoki Crocodiles of the Finnish Maple League have signed former Netflix “Last Chance U” star Emmit Gooden. The ex-junior college All-American and SEC defensive lineman should be an impactful addition to the experienced Crocodiles defense.
Gooden is a 6’4″, 270-pound defensive tackle who has shown flashes of physical dominance in his college career. The 25-year-old was a four-star high school recruit who starred in the Netflix series “Last Chance U” as a member of Independence Community College Pirates playing for head coach Jason Brown.
2018 it’s going to be a movie 🌹🎱 pic.twitter.com/VGVwtUvvto
— TheRealEmmitG93 (@TheRealEmmitG93) January 3, 2018
Gooden was one of the show’s most featured players as cameras followed him closely throughout the season. On the field, Gooden was also a star, earning NJCAA Second Team All-American honors after totaling 81 tackles, six and half tackles for loss, and one sack as a sophomore.
Gooden went on to start right away at the University of Tennessee (NCAA D1 SEC) recording 33 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and one sack during his first year on campus. After missing the following season due to a knee injury, Gooden was dismissed from the Tennessee football team following some troubles with the law.
Emmitt Gooden led the Vols with 8 tackles, 3 TFLs and a sack Saturday, as the JUCO transfer has flashed as the team's most disruptive DL.
Pruitt: “I think the guy’s got some ability. He’s still learning how to work. When he wants to, he can be a pretty good football player." pic.twitter.com/W4CmUoBvaH
— Jesse Simonton (@JesseReSimonton) September 9, 2018
The former “Last Chance U” star bounced back signing with Lincoln University (NCAA DII) for his final collegiate season in 2021. Gooden was selected to play in the Podyum Preps All-Star Bowl game this past winter.
The once coveted NCAA prospect is expected to play his first Maple League game on Sunday, June 5th, When the 1-0 Crocodiles travel to play the defending champion Steelers in Kuopio.
Gooden joins a veteran Crocodiles defensive line that also features former Indiana State (NCAA DI FCS) defensive tackle Filip Zacok. The two have the potential to form a dynamic tandem that could be a disruptive force in the league.
All Finnish Maple League games are being streamed on AFI.tv for free. Watch Gooden’s debut with the Crocodiles when they take on the Kuopio Steelers, Sunday, June 5.
