Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / McMinn County senior Bryce Goodner attacks while doing a defensive line drill at Tuesday morning’s practice in Athens, Tenn.For those who have to line up opposite Bryce Goodner this season on the football field, good luck.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound McMinn County High School offensive lineman has added even more power to his game. That in itself is scary as Goodner was named the Region 2-6A offensive lineman of the year last season and helped pave the way to an 8-0 start for the Cherokees.
On Feb. 26, Goodner turned heads as he front squatted 545 pounds with ease and no help from his spotter and fellow standout offensive lineman Garrett Priest. Soon after the school gym would be closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Goodner kept working.
At home he found great results from squatting 405 pounds, during which he would pause and then come back up, and he said jumping rope during workouts has helped him feel even more spring in his legs and ready to burst through anyone in his way.
“I called Garrett and told him I need you to text me every day and ask me if I have done something. Keep me going,” said Goodner, who has maxed out at 645 pounds in the squat. “I feel pretty good about it because I feel a lot more explosive and powerful. I am excited now, because I am back at practice with my teammates and I think this is where I am at my best.”