Interview: Palmdale has an Explosive Hidden Gem in 2022 SS/RB Anthony Woods
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Based on his sophomore season, Anthony Woods has an all-around athlete ranking coming up among the various recruiting sites in the coming weeks or months. During the 2019 season, Woods was a ballhawk on defense putting down an estimated 90 plays with 50 solo stops, eight tackles for a loss, a sack, a quarterback hurry, three passes defended, a pick, three forced fumbles, and a blocked punt. When Woods (5-11, 170) wasn’t playing strong safety for Palmdale High School he was running the rock in part-time duties taking 31 handoffs for 247 yards with two receptions for 40 yards.
As all wait for the 2020 California high school football season to begin this spring, college teams await new game reel of Woods. Teams like Fresno State are already showing interest. Once the season does kickoff, Woods has been putting in extra work to prepare playing 7v7 ball with Formula 4 Speed and club ball with Valley Elite.
Interview
Anthony, some of the cuts you make on the field are ridiculous – my knees would snap. What are some of the workouts you do to not only strengthen your muscles, ligaments and tendons but to also make those cuts with the follow up burst?
Cone drills and ladder drills, squats, and all of that.
The Falcons offensive line was giving you some great blocks last year and you were making defenses pay. What style of offense were you guys running and what were some of the plays that got the rock into your hands?
Pitches, tosses, and lot of downhill running out of the Spread.
When the season ended, what did you feel were your strengths on offense?
Getting yards, my chemistry with the team, my field vision, and my cuts.
You got after it on defense as well. Where all were you lining up and what were your responsibilities within the scheme?
I was lining up at strong safety and at outside linebacker. I was playing the run or dropping to the flats and at safety I was playing the deep third.
As a defender, what have you been working on with your technique this offseason?
My backpedals and my drops. I have also been working on my cover skills, trying to make the quarterback bite, and baiting the quarterback.
And for offense, how have you been honing your skills for that side of the ball?
Exploding out of my cuts, not running high, and catching the ball. My ball security and my routes.
What roles might you take on during the 2021 season?
Running back and strong safety, kick returner, and on kickoff.
What have you been doing to increase your speed?
Squats, running hills, and I have been doing a track workout.
Have you posted a 40 this offseason?
Yes, sir. At a Rivals camp I ran a 4.5.
Are you also working with a trainer this offseason?
Yes, I am working with Coach Drew.
Are you playing 7v7 ball?
Yes, I am playing with Formula 4 Speed.
How is Formula 4 Speed helping you improve your overall game?
They are helping me with my footwork and being a smarter player. They are really helping me learn the game.
How are the 7v7 tournaments going for the team and how are you performing so far?
We haven’t had any tournaments yet. We pick up in a week or two.
Are you playing club Ball?
Yes, I am playing with Valley Elite.
How is club ball going?
It is going good. We have a game coming up on Monday.
Which positions are you playing for Valley Elite?
Linebacker, strong safety, and running back.
Anthony, you’re a busy guy. I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with 7v7 and club ball.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Woods family; Anthony Woods