Making Contributions
August 16, 2009 07:54 PM | General
August 16, 2009
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – After undergoing a rather unpleasant learning experience during his freshman season in 2008, wide receiver J.D. Woods is happy to be on the field and contributing in a number of ways.
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| J.D. Woods takes a break from practice last week.
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks photo |
The Naples, Fla., resident was ready to showcase his precise route-running and talented ball-catching skills last year before dislocating his left shoulder in preseason practice. The injury caused Woods to sit out the entire season, giving him the opportunity to learn from his veteran teammates.
One year later, Woods is progressing steadily in fall camp. He has earned some praise from his coaches and has been satisfied with his early performance so far.
“Camp is great this year,” Woods said. “I’m going in trying to get better from the things I didn’t do last summer, spring and fall. I learned a lot from that redshirt freshman year. This camp is great; I’m having fun so far.”
According to the preseason depth chart, Woods is slotted behind redshirt sophomore wide receiver Bradley Starks at Z receiver. But the former all-state wideout at Golden Gate High is prepared to make himself more marketable as a pass catcher by trying to learn some of the other positions.
“Right now I’m at Z, but I’m learning X and I’m just trying to get onto the field,” Woods said. “Coach Galloway also told me not only to learn Z but to learn X. We have (Alric) Arnett leaving next year and we need an X.”
Woods’ drive to learn from his teammates is a vital trait that can ultimately help him see significant time in 2009. He believes that his most obvious change from one year ago is the knowledge he has gained from his teammates and Galloway.
“Last year I had to learn the fundamentals of the game. This year I’ve sat back and watched Arnett, Bradley and Wes (Lyons), and I’ve had a chance to learn from them and do all the great things that they do,” Woods added. “I trust Coach Galloway, and whatever he tells me to do, I do it 100 percent.”
Another member of the football staff that Woods looks up to is defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich. The 31-year coach, who has spent every season at WVU, recruited Woods and was instrumental in bringing the former high school track athlete to Morgantown.
Kirelawich’s hard-nosed personality attracted Woods from the beginning, with his family also taking a liking to one of WVU football’s more popular fixtures.
““I love Coach K. He did a great job recruiting me and I’m glad he recruited me,” Woods said. “What you see is what you get with him. My grandma and grandpa love him and ask about him all the time.”
Running back and Doak Walker Award candidate Noel Devine is another person who played a vital role in getting Woods to come to Morgantown.
“I just wanted to come in and I felt like I could come to any program and contribute. I talked to Noel when I was looking to come here, and he helped me come here too,” Woods added. “West Virginia was my only option all the way. Noel told me to stay focused and come out and work hard.”
It seems as though Woods will never regret his decision. He continues to make strides each day through fall camp while learning from a talented group of receivers. WVU’s wideouts all come in different sizes and skills, but together they make up an extremely multi-faceted group that can make big plays.
“We have a lot of versatility. I just want to come in and contribute and not lose a step,” Woods said. “Coach Galloway talked about those things in the meeting room.”
During yesterday's scrimmage, Woods caught one pass for 10 yards playing predominantly with the second group.
If Woods can break through in 2009, then WVU will have yet another added dimension as it strives to become the top receiving unit in the BIG EAST.
