Mr. Woods

Remember D.J. Woods?


The former Strongsville wide receiver was certainly one to watch during his high school days.

Now a senior standout for the University of Cincinnati, he’s one to watch again.

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced July 7 that Woods was one of 75 players added to the watch list for the 2011 Biletnikoff Award, an honor given annually to the nation’s best college receiver. The list includes the likes of potential first-round draft picks such as Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State University and the University of South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery.

The news wasn’t all that shocking to his former Mustang coach Russ Jacques.

“He is one of the hardest-working kids we ever had,” said Jacques, who still tries to keep in touch with his former star. “He made a big impact on our younger players. It has certainly paid off for him as far as his college career is concerned.”

Woods, who was forced out of action during his senior year of high school when doctors found a blood clot in his lower back, has rebounded nicely in college.

As a true freshman in 2008, he played in every game on the schedule, working his way into the fourth receiver slot on the Bearcats’ depth chart. In 2009, he started 12 of 13 games at slot receiver, hauling in 51 grabs for 540 yards and four touchdowns. Last year, he was a Second-Team All-BIG EAST Conference selection after catching 57 balls for 898 yards and eight touchdowns. He rushed in two more scores, while also handling UC’s punt and kick returns.

If the upward trend continues, Woods will likely force opposing teams to give him even more attention in 2011.

“There are certain names that they all know,” Jacques said of the younger players who come into his program year after year. “D.J. is one of them. And he’s got a chance to maybe play on Sundays

ARTICLE BY: Cody Peck, Sun News