Colin Gohman '22 Recruiting Profile

My senior year I started every game on varsity at defensive tackle. This is not what I would have expected. Rather than starting varsity my senior year at running back, or in the defensive backfield, or even at linebacker, I was in a 3 point stance at noseguard, anchoring the center of the defensive line. All 5’8” 180lbs of me faced opponents that sometimes outweighed me by 100lbs. For playing this position to the best of abilities and my willingness to serve the needs of my team over the needs of self, my coaches and teammates awarded me the “Sacrifice Award.” 

It became clear, quite early in the preseason, that our team was undersized. We had a strong RB, DB and WR corps but it was on the defensive line that my coaches felt there was a significant need. So, despite my size, the coaches considered my efforts and accomplishments in the weight room (475 squat, 325 bench, 550 deadlift) and decided I would be most valuable to the team on the defensive line. There, I had 48 tackles for the season and my team went 8-3.

Of course, from a recruiting perspective, I would have chosen and enjoyed being in the offensive backfield, or, perhaps lining up as a strong safety or at the linebacker position. However, my team had a need and circumstances dictated a different outcome. An early season sprained ankle and then a dislocated finger didn’t help my prospects at getting the chance to run or catch the ball. I found my home at the center of the defensive line and, to be perfectly honest, I relished the physicality and having an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful manner to my team. I was small but utilized my strength and speed (All-Conference 100 meter sprinter). 

I believe, to know who I am as a player, that a brief summary of my football experience is important. I didn't start playing football until I was a sophomore. That first year was a challenge - I  had zero experience and barely weighed in at 135 pounds. I did, however, learn from my mistakes and kept getting back up for more.

As a junior, a year dominated by the Covid pandemic, the football season was shortened and opportunities were limited. Again, as similar to the story of my senior year, I was asked to help our varsity team at an unlikely and probably an unnatural position - all 5'7" and 155lbs (at the time) of me was asked to bolster the varsity offensive line. All the while, only a few opportunities at running back arose at the JV level. Unfortunately, due to Covid, our JV played but a handful of games, even fewer than what our coaches and administrators could scrounge up for the varsity.

So, my senior year was going to my coming out season - at least, so I had anticipated. Now bigger (40 pounds heavier than that first season), as well as, stronger, faster, and significantly more skilled, I was very much looking forward and optimistic about the 2021 football season. And, as previously discussed, it ended up as quite a surprise. However, despite the unanticipated changes, it was special season that had spectacular wins, wonderful individual and team successes, and, as with any season, disappointments and even tragedy as well. Yet, even though I didn’t play the position(s) I had anticipated, I really appreciated my final season of football at Evergreen High School. It was an experience I will cherish and be forever proud.

Now that I look forward to the next chapter of my life and begin to make the transition to college, I am seeking a way to extend this football experience to the next level. I am looking to be a part of a new school, a new program, and a new team. Despite my limitations in experience and size, I am looking for a home where I can contribute. 

I know that the jump to collegiate level athletics is a challenge. However, my approach to any challenge is to apply my entire self, to always find ways to improve, and to do my very best. In terms of football, a sport for whom I am so new, I firmly believe I have a lot of raw potential. I do believe my work ethic, my raw speed (sub-12 second 100 meter) and ever increasing strength (current stats: 325 bench, 475 squat, 550 deadlift), would enable me to be an asset to any collegiate program that gives me the opportunity to continue to grow and develop as a player. If given the opportunity, it would be a pleasure to continue this journey into my collegiate years to continue to improve, to become a better player and to be a part of a team that would be willing to include me in their family.