Albert Gooden III is an early-impact freshman back with burst and big-play juice
Albert Gooden III has opened the 2026 season with 3 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown for Illinois State, flashing an eye-popping 13.7 yards per carry and a long of 31 yards.[4][9][14] At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he brings a sturdy frame plus downhill burst, and his high school résumé backs up the explosiveness: he averaged 12.9 yards per carry and scored 12 total touchdowns in his final prep season.[2][11][13] Why care? He looks like a physical freshman who can create chunk plays fast—a nice fit if a team wants a run threat with upside and tackle-breaking potential.[11][13]
