By Erik Harris
PINSON – Pinson Valley cornerback Jay Woods said that he wanted to make a verbal commitment before the start of his senior season and with 66 days separating him from those Friday night lights, the 2016 prospect made a decision.
With many options on the table, Woods narrowed his list down to one at a satellite camp at Oak Mountain High School. The University of South Alabama, a program that was already recruiting the defensive back, operated the camp last week.
Woods had visited the Jaguar campus in Mobile a month before attending the satellite camp. He felt “at home” with the South Alabama coaching staff last week.
“I just fell in love with the team, the coaches and everything,” said Woods. “They made me feel at home and it’s not far from home, so that’s what made me commit.”
Woods, who broke up 20 passes and intercepted two more as a junior, was No. 1 on the Jaguars recruiting board. That only drew him closer to Mobile.
Now that he’s verbally pledged, he can completely focus on the upcoming high school season.
“It’s less stress on me and my family,” Woods said. “It’s easier for me to concentrate more on my team and focus more on the season. It feels good.”
The lengthy corner saw the camp as an opportunity to shine. Despite having an invitation to simply observe the drills and sit on his offer, Woods opted to put his talent on display.
“They told me that I could just come to the camp and just watch since they had already offered me, but I chose not to do that,” said Woods. “I wanted to actually show them what they would be getting out of me if I came to their school. I showed them what I can do and that’s what they really like about me.”
“I’m not afraid to come out and show you what I can do and learn more.”
The South Alabama coaching staff primarily worked with him on press coverage. Woods liked the staff’s attention to detail. He’s also drawn to the academic side of the school.
“They’re finding things that you do wrong and they correct it,” Woods said. “That’s what I like about them, because I’m always open to learn something new every day.”
With the 2015-16 season quickly approaching, Woods gives the vibe that he’s content with his verbal choice for now, but mentioned that he wont be completely closed off to the recruitment of other programs between now and National Signing Day.