Former Ravenwood Raptor, and current University of Central Arkansas defensive end, Jonathan Woodard has been chosen as a first-team selection on the STATS FCS Preseason All America team. In addition, it was announced on July 15th Woodard was named to the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year Watch List on Wednesday.
Woodard, a red shirted senior, was joined on the three teams by eight other Southland Conference players, two of those on the first team.
Woodard, 6-foot-6, 271 pounds, was the 2014 Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league in tackles for loss and sacks. He is now second on the career sack list at UCA with 25, trailing UCA Sports Hall of Fame member Mike Coffman by five.
Woodard, the 2012 SLC Freshman of the Year, is a three-time All-SLC selection and was a finalist for the 2014 Buck Buchanan Award.
Offering advice to other high school athletes, Woodard shares, “My path was a little different and you quickly realize at the collegiate level what you did in high school is behind you. I never felt entitled.”
“In college what has made my performance better is a combination of my knowledge of the game increasing and the mechanics, techniques I’ve been taught through intensive strength training to play my position. I really didn’t have a great knowledge of what it took to play on the Defensive Line in high school, the strength courses really shaped the player I am today.”
Woodard who received his undergraduate degree in May is currently taking summer classes to pursue an MBA with a Healthcare Concentration at the University of Central Arkansas.
Woodard and the Bears open the 2015 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Samford University in Birmingham, Al.
Woodard is the son of Vincent and Evelyn Woodard, and has two sisters, Courtney and Crystal.
For additional information about Woodard, and Central Arkansas click here.
More Sports News
