There’s a ton of excitement building around the University of Massachusetts campus and it’s about football. The Minutemen begin their transition into to FBS football and will be competing in the Mid American Conference more commonly known as The Mac Conference. Such a move dictates that the Minutemen will need to continue to add dynamic players to their roster and the did that today by securing a commitment from 2013 Athlete Donnice Woods out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida’s University School.
Woods has provided excitement on the field since his days as a youth football player. He was the master of exciting long runs while at Douglas High School as a sophomore and then took his talents to University School his junior year. It was at University School that Woods made his mark as a dynamic player that can make things happen in all three phases of the game. Woods’ highlight video is loaded with nifty punt returns and improbable runs after the catch. It’s this element of play that the UMass coaching staff is looking to bring by signing Woods.
“They want to use me as a speed guy,” said Woods. “Line me up in the slot, outside some times. Run jets sweeps, quick passes and also as a deep threat,” he added.
Early playing time was a key factor in Woods decision along with a good feeling about the coaching staff for UMass.
“They are great people up there and it’s a great school. The coaching staff is great and they said they could really use me,” Wood said.
The Minutemen’s move to an offensive happy MAC Conference means that they will need more players like Woods sooner rather than later. Woods relationship with current Minutemen Marken Michel and Antoine Tharp assisted in getting him to Massachusetts as both players spoke of highly of the school and the staff.
Woods plans on majoring in business at UMass and plans to visit the campus on September 1st. His opportunity to make an early impact help Woods choose UMass over Kentucky, Indiana and a few other offers that he had on the table. He is now focused on the upcoming 2012 season in which his University School team is poised to make a run at a Florida state championship. Woods is one of 15 players on the roster with offers from Division-I schools.
When asked what he will bring to the table to UMass, Woods’ answer was simple.
“Speed, swag and leadership”
Chad Wilson is a college football recruiting expert and creator of the GridironStudsApp which allows high school football players to gain exposure to college football coaches and fans. Wilson is a former college football player for the University of Miami (92-94) and Long Beach St. (’90-’91) and played briefly for the Seattle Seahawks (’95). He is also a former youth and high school football coach for over 15 years most recently for 5-A State of Florida Champs American Heritage. He runs All Eyes DB Camp a defensive back training company located in South Florida IG: @alleyesdbcamp. Wilson’s oldest son Quincy plays in the NFL for the New York Giants and his younger son plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals.
