Gooden played high school football at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was a three-sport star in football, track and basketball.

In his true freshman season with the University of Miami, Gooden played in all 13 games, almost entirely on special teams, where he made 10 tackles (six solo).

In 2006, he returned as the Hurricanes' strongside linebacker, playing in 11 games and making four starts.

He was one of the students involved in the underground rap group 7th Floor Crew, which consisted of former and current University of Miami students who recorded a rap song that contained lewd sexual references.

[2] Although considered one of the better linebacker prospects in the 2008 NFL draft, Gooden raised some concerns due to his history of injuries, including a dislocated left shoulder.

Gooden started at inside linebacker alongside Ray Lewis for the 2009 season, but was oft-injured and only played 12 games while making 47 tackles.

[7] On September 4, Gooden signed with the San Francisco 49ers, playing primarily on special teams.