By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
This weekend couldn’t get here soon enough for Trimane Goddard.
The former Roanoke High School and North Carolina Tar Heels football star did all he could on the field, and on Pro Day, to get his name out there. Now, Goddard is hoping to hear his name get called during this weekend’s NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft takes place today and Sunday at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The first three rounds will be held today, and the final four rounds Sunday.
Goddard, who will watch the draft with family and friends, said just hearing his name get called would be sweet music to his ears. He’s been projected to go anywhere from the third round to the seventh.
Goddard, a 5-9, 198-pound safety, earned numerous honors his senior season with the Tar Heels.
He was named to the 2008 Associated Press All-America Second Team, 2008 Walter Camp All-America Second Team, 2008 Rivals.com All-America Third Team, 2008 SI.com All-America honorable mention and All-ACC First Team.
Goddard finished his senior season with seven interceptions, a mark that is tied for third-best in a single season by a Tar Heel player.
The UNC co-captain returned one of the picks for a touchdown.
Goddard had 54 tackles, five pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
He finished his UNC career with 12 interceptions (tied for third in UNC history with three others) and 182 tackles.
Following the season, Goddard spent eight weeks in Naples, Fla., training and working out. He returned to school to continue his workouts.
Goddard took part in UNC’s Pro Day in March. He ran a 4.68 and a 4.71 in the 40-yard dash, along with a 4.19 short shuttle and 6.86 three-cone drill.
The UNC graduate, who hold a sociology degree, had a 31 ? vertical leap and finished with 17 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds.
Goddard also demonstrated plenty on the field. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
The athletic Goddard sealed a 28-20 win over Duke with an interception with 20 seconds left in the game. It was the third time that Goddard helped seal a Tar Heel victory.
Goddard picked off a pass in the end zone to preserve a 28-24 victory over the Miami Hurricanes on Sept. 27.
He also recovered a fumble during Notre Dame’s final possession to wrap up a 29-24 win on Oct. 11.
Nobody has doubted Goddard’s athleticism or zeal for the game. The only knock on the former UNC star is his size.
Goddard believes he has what it takes to play in the NFL.