If you were picking from a lineup of Wylie defensive players, Reece Gooding wouldn’t be the first guy you’d peg as a standout inside linebacker.

At 5-foot-6 and 130 pounds, he doesn’t exactly look the part.

But in watching the senior play, it doesn’t take long to find out that looks can be deceiving. Though smaller than almost all of his peers, Gooding has — through sheer effort and play-making ability — made himself an invaluable part of the Wylie defense. 

And while even coach Clay Martin had his doubts at first about Gooding’s ability to compete at the Class 5A level, he’s now as big a believer as there is in the linebacker and his ability to impact games.