Interview: 2017 LB Roderick Woods Brings Wealth of Experience to Grossmont Defense

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

On the gridiron little can take the place of overall athleticism other than experience. When Grossmont takes the field in 2016, linebacker Roderick Woods is bringing both athleticism and experience to the field adding an extra element to the Griffins roster.

Woods journey is a long one but one due to culminate in an explosion on impact when the Griffins meet Mesa (San Diego) on Sept. 3. The crack of the pads and helmet may not be earth shattering but the effect for Woods will be nothing short of life changing opening new doors to his future.

The path to Grossmont began in Florida at Northview High School as part of the 2012 recruiting class. Due to Florida rules, Woods had to sit out part of the season leaving him without an opportunity to completely showcase his skill set for college coaches. In 2013, Woods played at Milford Academy showing what he can do ending the season with 89 tackles. Scholarship opportunities with four-year schools were there but life has a way of taking a turn. A what would-be gray-shirt season at Globe Tech came and went in 2014 leading to a redshirt season at Hutchinson in 2015.

After all the travels and searching for the right opportunities, Woods has landed at a welcoming environment with Grossmont. The now- 6-1, 242 pound, linebacker already has a lot of teams interested in extending scholarship offers especially once tape from the first couple of games are circulated. The teams showing interest includes Nebraska, Ball State, Tennessee, Michigan State, West Virginia, New Mexico, and Minnesota along with a lot of Division-II programs.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Woods gaining insight on his journey to Grossmont and off-season workouts heading into his freshman season of college football.

Interview

Roderick, correct me if I am wrong, you played your high school ball at Northview, right?

“Yes sir. I was only allowed to play in seven games that season (approximately 90 tackles).”

After that you went to Milford Academy?

“Yes sir.”

How did your season at Milford go?

“I had 89 tackles that season. I did well there. I had a lot of interest with Miami but everything ended up falling through.”

By spring 2015 you were at Hutchinson JUCO, right?

“Yes sir.”

You redshirted and then transferred to Grossmont?

“Yes sir.”

You have a lot of maturity and experience behind you coming into the season. When you take the field for the Griffins, what skills are you bringing to the game?

“I’m instinctive, I have good hips, and I can cover. I am a hitter – I can hit hard. I can run too. I have a 4.25 in the shuttle and I run a 4.56 40-yard dash. I’m physical on the field.”

What have you been working on this off-season?

“Mostly my technique. I’m a perfectionist. I’ve been working on everything. I’ve been working on keeping up my change of direction and trusting my eyes.”

Have you maxed out in any of the football lifts lately?

“No sir. The last time I maxed out was spring of 2015. My bench max was 370, squat 475, and my hang clean was 325.”

Did you attend any college camps this summer?

“No sir.”

Are any schools showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Yes sir. Minnesota, Kentucky, Tennessee, Cincinnati, and Michigan State are that I know of right now. I spoke with Minnesota, Kentucky, UAB (Alabama-Birmingham), Auburn, and Cincinnati this spring.”

Where will you line up for Grossmont this year?

“We run a 3-4 defense. I’m an inside linebacker but I can play outside and I will play some rush end too this year – but I will primarily play inside.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“My goal is to win a state championship. That is first and foremost. My personal goal is to be a leader for the team. I want to go out, not talk about it, but lead by actions. I want to go out and set a tone everyone can follow. If everything goes well we will win a championship. We have to go game by game but I think we can do it. On the field, I want to average around 13 tackles a game.”

What will that first game be like for you?

“I’m excited. It will be a great moment. It will be a great experience with great teammates and a great coaching staff. I’m really looking forward to going out there and performing this year.”

Roderick, good luck with your season and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Woods family; Roderick Woods at Hutchinson (May 2015).