Interview: Commitment Date Nearing for 9-Offer 2018 New York WR Paul R. Woods

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When push comes to shove on college football’s recruiting trail, college coaches want a player that has the physical tools to get the job done on Saturdays, and in the classroom. Fitting the mold on height and weight is great, but what are the extra variables that contributes to said player being one of the best on the field every time he suits up for a game? For Canisius High School’s Class of 2018 wide receiver Paul R. Woods, he has showed his determined attitude and championship mentality again and again fitting the profile of a Division-I play-maker.

Canisius ended the 2015 season with an 8-3 mark falling short of their ultimate goal of bringing home a state title – enter Woods. Woods turned out to be the difference maker needed snagging 39 passes for 689 yards with eight touchdowns. Canisius benefited greatly posting a 10-2 record ranked No. 6 at the end of the season after beating Cardinal Hayes 50-44 to capture a New York state title. With the spotlight the brightest and on the biggest stage, Woods out-produced all individual running backs and receivers on both sidelines during the championship game hauling in nine passes for 179 yards with three scores to ensure his team took home a trophy and rings for all.

Woods contributions on the field went beyond his ability to haul in a pass in traffic, break through arm tackles fighting for extra yards, and take one to the house from anywhere on the field. He also returned seven kicks for 145 yards. Woods also helped Canisius bring home a banner in track and field where his team won state 4×1 relay honors. The summation of Woods’ physical abilities, leadership, and production on the field has drawn nine offers for the Buffalo area product. The 6-1, 165 pound, receiver has the confidence of Wake Forest, Cincinnati, Boston College, Buffalo, Duquesne, Army, St. Francis, Rutgers, and Temple.

College coaches on the fringe of offering Woods better step it up. Woods has a July 11th announcement date set. Ahead of his big decision and fresh off a camp with Temple, I sat down with Woods for a one-on-one covering his junior campaign, recruitment, and college camps and visits.

Interview

Paul, you put on a show during your junior season lining up on the outside and in the slot for Canisius. How did your skill set grow as a receiver in 2016?

“Studying the game and my opponent. I watched a lot of film last season. I looked at what they were doing so I could beat them that week. My route running got better, thanks to my coaches. My outside work was key. I was going out on the field working with a trainer. Before the season I think I weighed around 145 pounds. I gained at least 10 pounds during the season. I’m working on getting my weight up and my speed up. I need to get my technique down.”

You mentioned getting your technique down, what have you been working on this spring to prepare for your senior season?

“Every time I go on the field I work on my route running or my speed. Getting off the line and catching the ball is not a problem for me.”

How have spring practices gone for you?

“We are finishing up school right now. The way it is set up, we have our exams coming up but we’ve been doing workouts since January. We have not gotten into spring ball yet. We get into that next week. We have new installs for our plays. The coaches are trying me at inside and outside, and punt returner this year.”

How will your role change on offense next season?

“Last year we had a lot of seniors. With them gone, we have some spots to fill. I know they will use me a lot more around the field at Wildcat and on jet sweeps. The coaches want to get the ball in my hands more. That is what happened towards the end of last season.”

Are you excited the changes?

“We are more of a speed team now from last year – I am excited.”

Are you playing team 7v7 ball or 7v7 with an all-star squad?

“I played 7v7. The way it is set up here, you play one team a week at the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse. We do it just to get your plays down and work with the underclassmen.”

Where all on the field have you lined up during the spring other than on the outside or in the slot?

“At cornerback and kick returner.”

Have you attended any exposure camps this spring?

“I went to the Nike Opening in Cleveland and a Rivals camp in Columbus. I went to a Temple University camp on Sunday.”

How did the Temple camp go?

“It went great. We had a lot of kids go down with us. My dad rented a van. Everyone did well. One-on-ones were kind of easy. At first we did a bunch of receiver drills. At the end were the one-on-ones. That is when everything got rolling. I won all my reps. They handed out blue wrist bands after lunch for another session. That was when everyone went up against the top guys. I strained my groin during the camp so I did not do the second half of the camp. Their coach said he was satisfied with what he saw from me in the early session.”

What other feedback did you receiver from coaches?

“They said I was very explosive and I caught the ball well. They were not worried about my speed. For some reason college coaches question my speed. I ran a 4.53 and a 4.49. They were impressed with my performance.”

Even though your team is not in full spring ball mode, have any colleges stopped by your school this off-season to watch you in person?

“We’ve had a lot of coaches come by our school. Rutgers, Boston College, Wake Forest, Temple, Virginia, and Syracuse have all stopped by our school.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet beyond any you may have just mentioned?

“Central Michigan, Syracuse, and UConn.”

How many offers do you have now?

“Nine.”

Beyond Temple’s camp, have you lined up any college summer camps?

“I plan on going to UB (Buffalo) and Rutgers, possibly Ohio State too.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?

“I’ve been to Rutgers, Temple, Wake Forest, and UB.”

Do you have any unofficial visits that you might take this summer?

“I’m planning on visiting Boston College, but I’m not sure yet.”

Do you have a commitment date set?

“Yes. July 11th is my commitment date.”

When July 11th rolls around and you announce your verbal commitment, what will have influenced you to commit to said program?

“Mainly education and the communication between player and coach. Some colleges that have offered me do not communicate with me very well. It makes me wonder if that was a real offer or was that an in the moment offer? Communication between the coaches and player is key for me.”

When you make your announcement, how are you going to do it?

“We have a couple of ideas but I’m not sure yet. We are thinking about making a video or having a get-together.”

I know you are a big track athlete too. You guys just are New York state champs in track too, right?

“We are.”

In which event?

“The 4×1.”

Which events do you participate in with track?

“I run the 4×1, high jump, and long jump.”

Which is your best event?

“The long jump. At state, one of my teammates came in first and I came in second.”

What is your personal best in the long jump?

“22-feet 4-inches.”

Have you taken the SAT or ACT yet?

“I am taking the SAT on Saturday.”

Have you started thinking about which degree you will pursue in college?

“I’m looking at forensic science or something in sports. It depends on the college I choose.”

What goals have you set for yourself for over the summer both on and off the field?

“On the field, staying in the weight room and getting the extra work in, and being more of a leader off the field. Staying disciplined with my diet and studying the game off the field are part of my goals. Taking care of my school work as well.”

Paul, thanks for your time today and good luck with the SAT and good luck with the upcoming camps as well.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: buffalonews.com; No. 8 Paul Woods beats a St. Francis defender deep (2016).

Photo credit: buffalonews.com; No. 8 Paul Woods leaps over a St. Francis defender (2016).

Photo credit: Woods family; Canisius 4×1 championship team