Interview: Grossmont LB Roderick Woods Maybe a 2017 Signee Ahead of Schedule

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

While a lot of high school and junior college players across the country are hitting the panic button on the recruiting trail, one junior college player is fielding interests knowing he still has another year of ball left before he has to make that life changing decision.

Roderick Woods has made the rounds at the junior college level but settled in for an outstanding redshirt freshman season at Grossmont. The former Northview High School standout and Milford Academy recruit bounced from Globe Tech in New York to Hutchinson before heading to the San Diego area to find his junior college home. Racking up the frequent flyer miles has not caused college recruiters to lose track of the 6-1, 242 pound, linebacker. If anything, his seasoning on the field and physical maturity is an added plus drawing more and more programs his direction.

Over the off-season, Woods reported a 370 pound bench max, a squat max at 475, and a hand-clean at 325. All of that physical strength aided in an estimate 60-70 total tackles. Posted stats has him with another seven tackles for a loss, and four fumble recoveries covering 118 yards. The official stat line maybe incomplete, but the game is not.

Teams that have shown interest in 2016 includes Nebraska, Tennessee, Michigan State, New Mexico, West Virginia, Ball State, and Minnesota, but a new group of colleges are starting to come around.

In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Woods after Grossmont wrapped up their season to gain insight on his play on the field and his growing recruitment.

Interview

Roderick, how did the 2016 season go for you?

“Overall I think I played well this season. I had some nagging injuries that slowed me down. I did not play up to my expectations but I feel like I had a good season overall.”

What are the areas of your game you improved upon the most this season?

“My drops. Early in the season I was so focused on run stop, but I got more comfortable by the end of the season getting back in my zone and covering. I got better at getting off blocks and getting in space making moves to get the running back.”

Do you know what your stat line is from this season?

“I thought I had 67-70 tackles. Our coaches said it does not really matter and told me not to worry about it. That is my best guess. I don’t want to lie about it.”

Have you already started off-season workouts?

“Yes. We lift two to three days a week and then work on agility like ladders, hip drills, etc.. I just came from a beach workout.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“I have a lot of schools contacting me. One of the schools talking to me is TCU (Jeremy Modkins). I have talked to them a couple of times. Temple, South Alabama, and Central Arkansas are some of the other schools. Fairview – one of my old coaches is there. Utah State too.”

You picked up a big offer recently. Which school offered you?

“Alabama A&M.”

How did the Alabama A&M offer come about for you?

“They connected with me on Twitter. I sent them my highlight and bio. They asked me how many offers I had and that kind of stuff. They offered me within two minutes.”

How did you feel knowing that your dream to play college ball on a full-ride had just been presented to you?

“I felt good. I came out here and accomplished something. I felt really good. I’ve been waiting all season for one. I was really happy and excited for the opportunity.”

Are you going to visit Alabama A&M?

“I have not talked to them about that yet. I’m calling them on Monday, hopefully we can get it set up then.”

What is your classification status as a player if you were to transfer to a four-year at the break?

“I will have three years to play three.”

Are you finishing strong with classes?

“Yes, sir. I have a 3.0. My grades are C’s right now. I have a lot of work to make up before the semester is over to get my grades up where I want them to be.”

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

“Thank you.”

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