Goodwin balances track and football

Once the Olympics are over, long jumper Marquise Goodwin has to hustle back home.

The Texas Longhorns need him.

When he's not leaping into the sand, he's hauling in passes as a wide receiver.

Goodwin had a solid season on the football field last season for the Longhorns, catching 33 passes for 421 yards and two touchdowns. Not bad for almost sitting on the sideline.

The 21-year-old senior was going to redshirt in 2011. But after a disappointing performance at last year's world championships, Goodwin decided he wanted to suit up.

"I just couldn't be away from football," he said.

His best attributes? His hands and his hops.

Oh, and his blazing speed, too. That's a reason the Longhorns have him on the outside, so he can fly past defensive backs.

"Going from football to track and track to football has been my routine since I was a kid," said Goodwin, who went to high school in Rowlett, Texas. "It's like a habit — a good habit."

The training habits for both sports are quite different, though. When it's football season, Goodwin does more bench work in the weight room. In track season, he does more plyometric exercises and drops his weight from about 185 pounds to 175.

Any chance he gets drafted in football?

"The main goal is to get this medal," he said.

Any chance he might turn pro in track?

"If the opportunity presents itself," Goodwin said, "it could happen."