Gary was a standout linebacker in high school, leading his team in tackles each season. The team was able to make the state playoffs in his Junior and Senior year but failed to capture a state title. Gary has 3 older brothers, his oldest brother Larry Jr. was a walk on at Wisconsin and started at LB his Junior and Senior year. Goodman was ranked as a 3 Star LB Recruit coming out of high school. Gary had numerous scholarship offers but ultimately decided to follow in his brothers footsteps and declared for Wisconsin's 2036 class.
Goodman wasn’t quite ready for the starting role in his freshman year but he was able to start 2 games at the end of the season due to an injury to Senior LB Percy Gregory. Goodman was deemed the starting linebacker entering his Sophomore year. He quickly became a leader on the field. He played the entire season where the Badgers finished with an 8-5 record and defeated the Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. Goodman recorded 4 sacks and 2 interceptions during the campaign. Gary’s Junior season was definitely his breakout year. The Wisconsin defense was ranked of the best in the country not allowing any points in 4 games on their way to a 10-4 record with a Rose Bowl loss. Goodman finished the season with 7 sacks and 3 interceptions and was a finalist for the Butkus Award but finished second in the voting. Goodman declared for the DSFL draft at the end of his Junior Season.
Goodman wasn’t quite ready for the starting role in his freshman year but he was able to start 2 games at the end of the season due to an injury to Senior LB Percy Gregory. Goodman was deemed the starting linebacker entering his Sophomore year. He quickly became a leader on the field. He played the entire season where the Badgers finished with an 8-5 record and defeated the Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. Goodman recorded 4 sacks and 2 interceptions during the campaign. Gary’s Junior season was definitely his breakout year. The Wisconsin defense was ranked of the best in the country not allowing any points in 4 games on their way to a 10-4 record with a Rose Bowl loss. Goodman finished the season with 7 sacks and 3 interceptions and was a finalist for the Butkus Award but finished second in the voting. Goodman declared for the DSFL draft at the end of his Junior Season.