Former Alabama 2023 three-star QB Earl Woods to enter transfer portal
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Looking at the body of work on the high school gridiron, few can match what Earl Woods III did for Alabama’s Hueytown High School. Woods was a master playmaker for the Golden Gophers ending his senior season with over 3,000 yards passing and 2,100-plus yards rushing accounting for 54 total touchdowns. Like all college players, especially QBs, the want is to get on the field to lead a team to postseason glory. Woods is searching for that ideal situation with plans to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 9.
Signing with Jacksonville State as part of the 2023 recruiting class, Woods (5-11, 185) left the Gamecocks in May taking his talents to Kennesaw State. A tough 10th season for head coach Brian Bohannon with the Owls ended on Nov. 10 after a 1-8 start to the 2024 schedule.
With the change at the top, like most college football players, a new home is needed.
Woods spoke about the offense executed at Kennesaw State.
“We ran a Pistol offense,” Woods stated. “Everything was out of the pistol. We were an option-RPO (run-pass option) based offense. We did play-action out of the pistol.”
The former three-star prospect balled out during fall camp showing his skills were tailormade for the system.
“That offense is made for an athletic and dynamic quarterback who can use his legs,” Woods said. “I was able to showcase my arm, use my legs and my athleticism while improvising in the offense.”
Earl Woods III at Kennesaw State.
The season with the Owls furthered Woods’ football acumen.
“They taught me a whole lot,” Woods shared. “They taught me how to slow the game down and how to evaluate the line of scrimmage. I am checking coverages faster, I was faster getting in and out of plays, I improved on limiting my tendencies, and stuff of that nature. My footwork got better, I am more accurate, and I have a better understanding of the game.”
That new program will have what all players want.
“I am looking for a style that fits my play, someone that will let me play, and someone that will help develop my game,” Woods shared.
The portal has not officially opened, but interest for Woods’ talents is already building.
“There are quite a few schools showing interest,” Woods said. “A lot of SWAT schools – Grambling, FMU, Bama State, New Mexico State, Buffalo, Marshall, Prairie View, West Georgia, Marshall, UTSA, Central Michigan, and Tennessee State. A lot of schools have been following me.”
Woods shared recruiting visits are in the works.
Wherever Woods signs, he will have three years to play three.
*Click the link to read the April 2024 RNG interview with Earl Woods.
Photo credit: Kennesaw State/Woods family