Prolific 2023 dual threat Earl Woods III gives update after entering transfer portal
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When it comes to filling up the stat sheet, few have been able to do what Earl Woods III did at the high school level. The dynamic dual threat quarterback was an Alabama All-State and Gatorade Alabama Football Player of the Year selection at Hueytown before matriculating to Jacksonville State. After three game appearances during his true freshman season, Woods (5-11, 187) has entered the transfer portal seeking to bring his talents to a new college football program.
For those that may have missed out on what Woods accomplished in high school, he was a play after play highlight film. During his junior season, Woods threw for 3,072 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for 2,123 yards with 35 ground trips into the end zone. The senior campaign produced 1,825 passing yards with 24 scores and 1,527 rushing yards adding 22 more touchdowns to the scoreboard.
At Jax State, Woods appeared in three games carrying the ball four times for 24 yards.
The three-star Class of 2023 standout was asked about his freshman season with the Gamecocks.
“It was really good,” Woods said. “I learned a lot. I learned from everyone around me. At Jax State, I learned how things work, especially the weight room system.”
Executing a Spread–run-pass offensive scheme, Woods learned more about the mental part of the game.
“I learned a lot,” Woods stated. “I learned different coverages, how defenses try to disguise their coverages, I learned about getting the ball out quicker, how to slide protections, and knowing when blitzes are coming. Being in the weight room, my strength coach did a really good job. My quarterback coach helped a lot. I learned how to throw with different arm angles.”
Woods continued covering how his overall skills improved during the 2023 season, “Mainly my footwork; it got a lot cleaner. I have more zip on the ball and I can now throw with different touches.”
Asked about the opportunity to fulfill a dream playing college football as a freshman, Woods replied, “It was really good. We were blowing them out. Playing in my first college game, it was a good feeling.”
Now in the portal, Woods knows the type of offense he wants to run at his next stop.
“I want to be coached well, run a good Spread-RPO offense, throw the ball, and have some quarterback designed runs,” Woods shared. “I want the opportunity to play quarterback. I want to go in knowing I can win the job; I don’t want the job handed to me. I want to be in a good situation.”
With four years to play four after being redshirted, interest is accumulating for Woods.
“I have a good amount of schools that are reaching out, and some are ready to offer,” Woods said.
Before committing to Jax State on Oct. 2, 2022, Woods had a top four of Jacksonville State, Grambling State, Middle Tennessee, and North Alabama.