Leading off the week at the no. 26 of the Top 50 Greatest Football Players in Alcorn history is defensive end, Harry Gooden. Gooden was a standout end for the Braves from 1969 to 1971. He was very athletic and could really get after the quarterback.
Gooden saw action in the 1969 when he helped the Braves capture the SWAC and Black College National Championships. The Braves defense ranked second in the nation in defense after only allowing 158 yards per game. But he really made a name for himself the following season in 1970.
Gooden was named to the All-SWAC 1st Team Defense after posting over 90 tackles and helped the Braves capture the 1970 SWAC Championship. Gooden and the Braves defense gave up 8.0 points per game keeping six of their niine opponents under 10 points.
In 1971, Gooden was named to the All-SWAC 1st Team Defense for the second consecutive season and he was also a NCAA 1st Team All-American that season. He recorded over 100 tackles while the Braves finished 6-3 on the season.
Gooden was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 1972 NFL Draft.
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