OVERVIEW
People in Ruston will tell you that they loved having Woods on their team for four years, and Conference USA coaches thought enough of his talent to name him first-team All-Conference USA each of the last three seasons. He started ten games as a true freshman and then exploded onto the college football scene in 2014 when making his sixth interception (and second pick-six) of the season in a win over Illinois in the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl. He ended up with 71 tackles, 3.5 for loss, seven pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. Woods also produced well in 2015 (56 tackles, 7.5 for loss, three INT, three PBU) and 2016 (89 tackles, 6.5 for loss, five INT, 6 PBU) all-conference campaigns.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Ball skills are a plus. From high safety, tracks the ball the moment it comes out of quarterback's hands. Understands when he can undercut routes and has sticky hands to bring the ball in. Plays with above average instincts that have him primed to swoop into a passing lane. Drives hard on the route as soon as quarterback begins windup. Considers the ball his birthright. Always looking to make a play and is often successful. Has ridiculous ball production over last three seasons with fourteen interceptions and five forced fumbles. Can bring the wood as a hitter and has talent for timing hit to jar the ball loose from receivers. Good tackle production despite being moved around the field.
WEAKNESSES
Size is a little below average for the position. Better hitter than tackler. Needs to fine-tune tackle fundamentals to eliminate misses in space. Slow to change direction. Lacks reactive athleticism and quickness for desired recovery ability. Backpedal is upright and little rigid. Tightness through his hips limits stride length and agility in space. Can be slow to range from the hash to the boundary against deep ball unless he gets a head-start. Will bust coverage looking to make a play. Gets caught guessing and can be manipulated and moved by quarterback glances. Will have to learn to play with better discipline.
BOTTOM LINE
Woods' career stat sheet at Louisiana Tech is loaded with play after play, but that has to be balanced out with his occasional lack of discipline that can cost his defense on the back end. Woods has outstanding instincts and ball skills, but will need to play with the game in front of him due to potential athletic limitations in space. Woods is a tough competitor and his penchant for finding the ball is likely to win a team over in the later rounds.
