Q: Were you hoping to get a fresh start somewhere else with the way things went in Carolina last year?
Goodson: Being behind DeAngelo [Williams] and [Jonathan] Stewart for a couple of years, it's been difficult just wanting to play and being a competitor. I wasn't just looking to leave, but anywhere I'm given an opportunity, I'm definitely up for that. I'm ready to play.
Q: In 2010, you had 452 yards and three TDs, before your injury last season, did you see yourself building on that performance?
Goodson: Yes, definitely. I thought going in with the way I had performed that I'd definitely get an opportunity to play and some things happened and I didn't get the opportunity I thought I should have. Then I got injured, so it just didn't really go the way that I wanted it last year.
Q: Could you explain how this transpired, who called you, who you talked to with the Raiders and what they've told you about what your role will be here?
Goodson: Earlier today, I got a call after working out from the Panthers GM and then right after that the Raiders GM gave me a call. He told me he was excited about getting me and what was going on with the trade. I've talked to Coach Skipper. I've talked to a couple of the relations guys, but yeah, everybody seems excited to get me and I'm excited to be on.
Q: It's such a family at Texas A&M. Have you ever met Coach Allen before? Has he ever been around when you were there?
Goodson: I haven't met him yet. I haven't had the opportunity, but he seems like a great guy. I talked to him on the phone for a brief moment there and he seems like a great guy. Can't wait to get a chance to meet him.
Q: When you spoke to Dennis Allen, did he say anything about following you when you played running back for Texas A&M?
Goodson: Yeah, he said that he saw me briefly at A&M. He went over my stuff, but we didn't really have a long chance to talk.
Q: Since you've joined the NFL, I think you have seven fumbles. Is that one of those things that they come in bunches or is that an issue you also had in college?
Goodson: No, it just kind of came down in bunches, like you said. I've been working real hard at it in the offseason trying to get bigger and work on my size. I just think it's a mind thing and it's something you have to just continue to work on.
Q: How do you feel like your style complements Darren McFadden?
Goodson: I watch Darren McFadden a lot. He's one of the backs I say that I like in the league. I think he runs the ball real hard. He's a real hard-nosed runner and he's fast. I think I could come in, catch the ball out of the backfield a lot and complement his speed. I'm a big speed guy. I like to see speed on the field and I know he's fast.
Q: Your style is suitable to zone blocking? You did a lot of that in Carolina…Is that one-cut style something that fits you well?
Goodson: Yeah, I think it does. I've always been a fan of that offense, the one cut gets you up field and you don't have to make a lot of moves in the backfield, you kind of just get going and use your speed.
Q: Where are you most at ease – going up the middle, running between the tackles, or running out wide?
Goodson: I don't really mind either way. I think speed kills everything. I think if you're fast going up the middle or around the corner, either way it goes, you have to get around people.
Q: Other than returning, what special teams' duties did you have in Carolina?
Goodson: I played all special teams from kickoff, kickoff return, not just returning but blocking, punt return I played gunner, I played in the vise so I love special teams and you can't win without them.
Q: Are you completely healed from your hamstring injury?
Goodson: Yeah, I've been working real hard ever since the injury, rehab and getting it back to 100 percent. So I'm finally there. So yeah, definitely.
Q: When did you hurt that hamstring? How early in the season?
Goodson: Probably I would say Week 7, Week 8.
Q: So before that you were just stuck behind those two good backs?
Goodson: Yeah, besides my special teams stuff.
Q: Do you plan on being out here as early as next week?
Goodson: I'll be there Monday.
