Cowboys connect

The last minute lobbying calls from one of the most influential politicians in the state of Texas and from a Heisman Trophy winner didn't matter. The text messages every 10 seconds from the college coaches minutes before didn't mean a thing. Klein (Texas) Collins four-star running back Michael Goodson has known of his destination for more than two weeks.

Surrounded by friends, family and teammates, Goodson, the nation's No. 6 running back and the No. 5 player in Texas according to Rivals.com, announced he was attending Oklahoma State moments ago on Houston's KPRC Sports Sunday program. The destination was announced on Sunday, but the decision was made shortly after falling in love with the Cowboys on an unofficial visit back on June 25.

"It's been Oklahoma State ever since that unofficial visit," Goodson said in a Rivals.com exclusive interview before the broadcast.

"I chose Oklahoma State because I wanted to come in and become the premiere back right away. I also wanted the opportunity to play with Bobby Reid and Donnell Williams. It's a small-college town, so there are not a lot of distractions. And the coaching staff is really cool."

The news is major for the Cowboys as the battle to land Goodson was a tough one.

Thought to be a Texas A&M lock early in recruiting process, Goodson was swayed by that unofficial visit to Stillwater. Even a last minute unofficial visit to College Station on Thursday of this past week couldn't change his mind.

Goodson was also heavily recruited by USC, Oklahoma, LSU and numerous others before narrowing his list to the final three of OSU, USC and A&M in the final week before his decision was announced.

So with the glaring camera lights and the entire Texas football world focused on him, Goodson announced he was heading to Oklahoma State. Shortly after announcing his decision, he donned an official Cowboy jersey. He will be joined by Donnell Williams, the talented linebacker who picked Oklahoma State over offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa and Texas Tech.

"They have some of the most incredible facilities that you'll ever see," Goodson said about Oklahoma State. "They're crazy good."

Along with the "crazy good" facilities, Goodson pointed out the recruiting efforts of Oklahoma State first-year running back Curtis Luper. He also said it also didn't hurt that Oklahoma State had two running backs taken in the first three rounds of the NFL draft in the past two seasons.

"I graduate early, the recruiting process was a lot of fun, and I appreciate what all of the schools that gave me the opportunity," Goodson said.

"But in the end, I had to follow my heart and my head and that all pointed me to Stillwater and Oklahoma State. I can become the marquee back there, and I hope to help them win a lot of championships."