INDIANAPOLIS — Mario Goodrich flashed a smile, thinking back to the performance that helped propel his collegiate career. Clemson’s cornerback was asked about Pitt’s trip to Memorial Stadium in Nov. 2020. A game remembered by Tiger fans as Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne’s senior day was a pivotal one for Goodrich. It was the day he got one over on Kenny Pickett.
“I probably picked him off two times,” Goodrich said at the NFL combine, knowing full well he did secure two interceptions. Pickett had a forgettable performance at Clemson, tossing four picks — three of which came on his first nine throws.
When Pickett was deciding whether or not to leave for the NFL after the 2020 season, he consulted frequently with then-offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. The former NFL assistant provided Pickett with plenty of perspective throughout the process. One point he made was that when scouts sat down to evaluate his 2020 tape, the Clemson debacle would be the first one they’d watch.
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