Sexton football standout Anthony Goodman signed with Eastern Illinois of the Football Championship Subdivision’s Ohio Valley Conference on Friday.

Goodman was named Division 3-4 honorable mention as a running back in his senior season after running for 1,551 yards and 19 touchdowns while leading Sexton to the Division 4 district finals.

Rushing for almost eight yards per carry, Goodman was also one of the most versatile players in the mid-Michigan area during his varsity career for the Big Reds and will begin in the fall with the Panthers on defense.

“They want me to come in and play corner. I might get a shot at playing a little bit of special teams, kick return, punt return if I have to fight for a spot,” Goodman said. “It gives me a leg up with football smarts. It’s good to know both sides of the ball. …

“I’m real excited and I’m really happy to get out to Eastern Illinois and see what they have in store for me.”

Goodman was both a cornerback and a return man while representing Sexton in the 32nd Annual Michigan High School All-Star Game on Jun. 30 at Alma College.

Goodman, who chose a scholarship from Eastern Illinois over a preferred walk-on opportunity at Eastern Michigan, needed a qualifying ACT score in order to sign and became a late qualifier once he got his score.

“With his ability, people still wanted him and that’s why he was able to get a scholarship and we’re really proud of him,” Sexton coach Dan Boggan said.

“It’s a real big relief. It took a lot of stress off my shoulders and put a lot of joy in my heart — me and my family,” Goodman said. “I’m just glad I get to go to school for free, everything’s paid for and no money has to come out of my parents’ pocket. I just plan on going to school, taking care of business and getting my bachelor’s.”