Slow activity on the final day for Canes

Apr/28/08 07:51 AM Filed in: Tavares Gooden
TGooden
When University of Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden got the phone call Sunday telling him he was about to be taken by the Baltimore Ravens with the 71st overall pick, he was asked if he minded giving up his UM jersey number -- 52.

That number belongs to UM great Ray Lewis, a longtime Raven and likely Hall of Famer.

''I understand,'' Gooden, of Fort Lauderdale, said he replied. ``I told them it didn't matter. I just want to come in and play.''

Gooden, who is 6-2, 238 pounds, was the eighth pick in the third round. He was the only pick Sunday for UM, leaving several seniors undrafted. This draft had the fewest UM players selected since 1999, when there also were three taken. Besides Gooden, this year's draft class includes first-rounder Kenny Phillips and second-rounder Calais Campbell.

Two Canes who might sign free agent contracts: quarterback Kyle Wright and offensive lineman Derrick Morse. On Sunday, receiver Darnell Jenkins signed with the Houston Texans, cornerback Glenn Sharpe signed with the Atlanta Falcons and defensive end Vegas Franklin was invited to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie camp.

Gooden played at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and was a fifth-year senior who led UM in tackles last season with 119. He had one interception, four pass breakups and three fumble recoveries for his best season.

''I was just happy that I was picked,'' he said by phone from his home.

Gooden's agent, Tony Fleming, said they had targeted two or three teams that were a perfect fit for him ``and Baltimore was definitely one of them. It's a good system to go in and learn behind some great linebackers that are there already.''

Gooden will join former Canes Willis McGahee, Ed Reed and Lewis. ''They like Miami guys,'' Fleming said.

Gooden said the Ravens came down to work him out in Miami. He said he has never been to Baltimore, but can't wait to get there for next weekend's rookie camp.

''It's something crazy,'' Gooden said. ``I've never met Ray Lewis, but he's like a brother to me because he's from Miami. He'll be my big brother.''

Gooden's high school coach, George Smith, said he was ecstatic for his former player.

''He went through injuries and everything else down there and came into his own as a senior,'' Smith said. ``He played every position they had there at linebacker and really shined when he played in the middle last season.''

Gooden said he wasn't disappointed about not getting drafted sooner.

''You can't be disappointed when you get a chance to play for the NFL,'' he said.

(miamiherald.com)