Washington State Cougars: Jahad Woods made smart choice to skip draft

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Feb 28, 2021
Washington State Cougars
Jahad Woods, Washington State Cougars.

It was great news for Washington State Cougars football when inside linebacker Jahad Woods announced he would return to Pullman for a fifth season.

Washington State Cougars fans have seen for themselves how good Jahad Woods is. Over the past four years, he’s blown up opposing defenses time and again. Woods decided to come back for the additional year offered by the NCAA. He was faring so-so pre-combine ratings and mocks.

In 2019, Woods finished fourth in the country with 141 tackles. That was good enough to be an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. He received the honor once again in 2020. Considering the Cougs only played four games last year, due to COVID-19, it’s a nice accomplishment.

So far in his college career, Woods has 319 tackles, including 30 for loss. The tackles total is ninth in Washington State Cougars history. Should he have another season like 2019, he could finish his Wazzu career as high as second on the all-time list (Anthony McClanahan, 1990–93, 440 tackles).

Even with the impressive resume, Woods wasn’t tearing up the big boards. As late as November, Walter Football had him as the fourth-best inside linebacker prospect. They even predicted going in the fourth round (127th overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That’s the best there is. DrafttTek had him as the 35th best prospect in the Pac-12 and 351st overall. Draft Diamonds ranked Woods 429th.

NFL’s loss is WSU’s gain

Before last season Jahad Woods was on three watch lists for postseason awards.

  • Bronko Nagurski Trophy – Awarded by the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the National Defensive Player of the Year.
  • Chuck Bednarik Award – Given to college football’s defensive player of the year.
  • Dick Butkus Award – Given to the nation’s top linebacker.

There is every reason to think he’ll be up for the same honors in 2021.

Even better for the Cougars, Woods is back to anchor the defense. Last season, Washington State was last in the Pac-12, giving up 307 passing yards allowed per game. Additionally, they were second to last in total yards allowed (461.8) and points allowed (38.5) per game. The Cougs need Woods’ talent and experience to improve on the numbers.

For his part, Woods gets another season to improve his NFL draft stock.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.

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