Senior Features: Lambert, Goodwin
Oct 18 | Football
Quanzell Lambert: Light at the End of the Tunnel
By Bradly Derechailo
Laid out on a medicine table inside of the Hale Center, one would never think Quanzell Lambert's collegiate career was over at first glance, as the Sicklerville, New Jersey, native is as upbeat as ever.
But when he goes to adjust his right leg, the action serves as a reminder that his season was unfortunately cut short.
The fifth-year senior defensive end suffered a right leg injury on Sept. 24 against Iowa at High Point Solutions Stadium. Lambert was carted off the field in the fourth quarter and did not return. Two days later, head coach Chris Ash announced he was done for the year.
"It was a crazy situation for me," Lambert said. "No one wants this to happen, especially your senior year. Things happen for a reason. I don't know what God has planned for me, but there's always good at the end of the tunnel."
That positive attitude, he says, will help him get through his rehab as he prepares to impress NFL scouts during the program's annual pro day held next spring. His outlook has also allowed him to succeed during his career "On the Banks" that featured challenges and triumphs along the way.
Lambert was a can't-miss linebacker prospect out of Timber Creek High School, where he helped the Chargers finish 12-0 and win a state championship in 2011 as a senior. When he chose Rutgers and enrolled for the 2012 season, he wanted to play right away, but the coaching staff had other ideas.
"As a freshman, like any other first-year player, you want to come and play right away. But that wasn't the result for me," Lambert said. "When I was redshirted, I felt like that was my time to develop to get on the field. So I did whatever it was possible to make that happen."
After his redshirt season, the coaching staff then asked Lambert to move to defensive end. This meant bulking up and memorizing the playbook over again so he could succeed as an edge rusher. As he did when he came in as a rookie, he listened and agreed.
"It was a hectic process for me, but I embraced it right away," Lambert said. "After the decision, it was a tough time. The playbook was different and the techniques and everything were different. I had to gain a lot more weight. But after a while, I realized it was the right position change for me."
Now 6-1 and 254 pounds, his position switch was a success. Nicknamed "Steady Eddie" by defensive line coach Shane Burnham, Lambert appeared in 40 career games, fifth-most among Scarlet Knights, before his injury. His most productive season on the field occurred last fall, when he recorded 43 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks in 12 games played.
But his production on the field was never the main concern for Lambert, who chose Rutgers over a host of other top programs because of the people that he interacts with every day.
"I loved winning and celebrating, but every down that I played here, I played with people who I will have positive relationships with for the rest of my life," Lambert said. "As far as championships and things like that, I think people get caught up too much with that. The bonds I've built with many of my teammates matches winning a championship. That's what's really important. Football doesn't last forever, but your friends will."
Whenever Lambert decides his football career is over, he will have plenty of other opportunities to choose from. He is set to graduate in January with a bachelor's degree in labor studies and criminal justice and was one of 22 Scarlet Knights to earn Academic All-Big Ten honors this past season. Lambert was also nominated for the National Scholar-Athlete Award, which is given to a student-athlete who exhibits superior performance both on the field and in the classroom.
Lambert will have to take in the remainder of RU's games from the sideline, watching his teammates perform on the same field where he made plenty of impactful plays. He's okay with that, because he believes his football journey is just beginning.
"The process [of dealing with an injury] is always the hard part," Lambert said. "Getting through that, you're going to hit a lot of bumps in the road and things like that. But this isn't the end of anything. It's not the end for me."
Justin Goodwin: In a Rush for Success
By Olivia Schaller
New Jersey native Justin Goodwin has made his presence known on the football field since his freshman year. The senior running back has recorded consistent numbers all four years "On the Banks" due to his passion for his position and the game.
"I like having the ability to make something happen," said Goodwin. "I have the ball in my hands a lot, therefore I'm able to make a big play and get the offense going."
The 5-11, 215-pound athlete was introduced to football in the third grade, after years of playing soccer. Goodwin took his skills to Madison High School where he excelled on offense under coach Chris Kubik. As a senior, he rushed for 1,440 yards and scored 21 touchdowns for the Dodgers. The running back was ESPN.com's No. 17 player in New Jersey and ranked No. 72 nationally.
Goodwin made a name for himself early in his collegiate career. In his debut as a true freshman, he ran for 44 yards including a 30-yard career-long rush. This was the just the beginning for Goodwin. The local product broke out at SMU where he ran for 149 yards and three touchdowns, including the winning 17-yard run in triple overtime. The freshman ended his first season as a Scarlet Knight with 521 yards on the ground and 86 yards receiving, totaling six touchdowns.
With an impressive first season under his belt, Goodwin was eager to make his mark in 2014 as the Scarlet Knights entered the Big Ten Conference.
As a sophomore, Goodwin entered the season as a cornerback, where he picked up an interception on his first defensive series. The true running back then returned to his favorite position and continued to help RU succeed on the offensive side of the ball. Goodwin reflects on the first Big Ten win over Michigan where he rushed eight times and caught three passes totaling 29 yards receiving.
"The first Big Ten win was very special and a lot of fun," said Goodwin on the victory. "It was an amazing feeling being with all my brothers and getting that win. It was awesome."
He concluded the 2014 season with 328 yards rushing and 57 yards receiving, with one touchdown.
In 2015, Goodwin shined on and off the field. The junior was one of the 22 football players who earned Academic All-Big Ten. This honor is awarded to those student-athletes who are at least in their second year at the institution and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
On the field, he appeared in all 12 games for RU leading all running backs with 13 receptions and 93 yards receiving.
Goodwin enters his senior year season with ample experience and intends to help his team win games.
The senior is looking forward to leaving Rutgers on a high note with his teammates. The running back emphasizes the importance of unity among the team and how that has propelled his game to the next level.
"My roommates, Anthony Cioffi and Myles Nash, have influenced me the most," he said. "We are really close and every year we try to push each other to do the best we can."
As a prominent force on the field, Goodwin also takes pride in being a leader outside of football.
"I want to be someone the younger guys can look up to," said Goodwin. "I would hope if they ever need anything, they wouldn't hesitate to ask me for help whether it's about the game or school."
The labor studies and employment relations major has made his mark on the Rutgers football program, and is excited to see what is in store for him next.
"It is going to be bittersweet," said Goodwin on graduating. "I get to go on to future goals, but at the same time it was a lot of fun here and a great experience."
