Interview: 2017 LB Roderick Woods is Tearing up the California JUCO Ranks

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Passion and inspiration can be found on the gridiron at the high school level but if you want to see heart, determination, and an uncanny will to succeed, take a look into the junior college ranks. One of the top players tearing it up out west is 2017 Grossmont linebacker Roderick Woods… but few seem to know.

At the junior college level much of the fan fair and hype has left the game. Like in high school, some guys are just playing to play while others are busting their hump scratching and clawing for an opportunity to fulfill their dream of playing at a four-year school while earning their degree. The ones showing out are playing for pride and a much smaller share of the spotlight hoping that college coaches come across their tape or scout one of their games. Woods is one of those guys.

Woods has that sophomore surge combining experience with athleticism churning up turf all across California to fill the stat sheet. Grossmont is seven games into their 2016 season with three left to play. In parts of four games played this season, the 6-1, 240 pound, play stopper has come up with 49 tackles. Woods is so determined to show out for college recruiters, he played with a high ankle sprain lasting just one series in the game. But in that one series, which was a 16-play drive, he had eight tackles. Now fully healthy, over the last two games he posted 12 tackles against Fullerton and 14 against Orange Coast.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Woods before Grossmont’s game against Saddleback to get an overview on his season and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Roderick, tough question first. You guys have had two tough losses in a row, how has the team responded to the defeats?

“I think we have responded well. We are practicing hard and trying to do everything right. We are trying to compete and finish the season strong.”

How have you responded?

“I’m more focused and humbled. I am humbled, and have become more outspoken. Since I have been back, I have been more vocal trying to rally everyone instead of just leading by example. The team looks at me like a leader.”

You guys have three games left against Saddleback, Golden West, and Palomar, what are your personal goals over the final three? Besides winning out.

“I just want to prove to everyone and all the schools that are recruiting me that I am the guy that can come in right off the bat. I can come in and start from Day 1. From the jump, I’m that guy that they need.”

What are your personal thoughts on the season with Grossmont?

“Overall, I like it. I have met a lot of great people, a lot of great talent on this team. There are a lot of great guys on the team. I like that a lot.”

How has your season gone overall on the field?

“I am happy with my play on the field. I am still making some mistakes after transferring in (Hutchinson) this summer within the defense but I’m getting everything in order. I am not at the level I want to be at. I am still climbing the bar but I am happy with my play on the field.”

What are areas of your game that you have improved upon with game experience this year?

“The areas of my game that have improved… my footwork, squaring up on running backs and linemen, and my hitting. I see a lot of improvement in that area.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“The main schools are UCLA, Utah State, and Cincinnati.”

Have you taken any official or unofficial visits yet?

“I’ve taken one to Arizona State for the UCLA game. They said then that they were going to start recruiting me and have a meeting about me.”

How did that visit go? What all did you do?

“We saw all the football facilities, went into the meeting room, and went onto the field during the warmups before the game. We watched the game and afterwards went into locker room. I have a friend that plays tight end there. That was the first time in three years I had seen him. We saw the campus. I liked it a lot.”

Any visit planned coming up?

“Not right now.”

When do you graduate from Grossmont, in December or in May?

“I am an academic qualifier. I’m cleared by the NCAA clearing house. I’m good to go in December.”

What is your GPA?

“I have a 3.0.”

Roderick, thanks for your time today and good luck with the final three games of the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Woods family; Roderick Woods at Arizona State.

Photo credit: Grossmont C.C.; No. 44 Roderick Woods pre-snap.

Photo credit: Woods family; Roderick Woods in the locker room.