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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Andre Woodson, QB
by Paul Hopkins
28/2/2008
The quarterback class of 2008 is arguably the most intriguing of all positions, not just because of the high-profile attached to the position, but because In this latest profile, the Diner considers one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft Andre Woodson.
Woodson was rated one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects in 2002 at North Hardin High School. The four-year letterman and three-year starter threw for more than 1,000 yards in each of his last three seasons, helping lead the school to four straight Class AAAA playoff appearances. He was named to the “Class of the Commonwealth” — a collection of the top 22 seniors in Kentucky as named by the Lexington Herald-Leader — and named honourable mention All-State as a senior.
 After serving his time as a back-up in his freshman year, Woodson was given the starting position in 2005. It would be fair to say that Woodson struggled during this campaign, as Kentucky finished the year with a 3-8 record. Woodson only completed 58% of his passes and there were serious question marks over his future.
These fears came to fruition after spring practice, when it appeared Curtis Pulley would usurp Woodson as the starter. This appears to have been a seminal moment in the development of Woodson, as from here he improved his attitude and focused on spending time in the weight room, and becoming more of a team leader, as commensurate with his position. This paid off, as Woodson retained the starting position when the season began. Woodson led the Wildcats to a tremendous 7-5 season, capped off with the school’s first bowl win in 22 years, in the Music City Bowl where they defeated Clemson 28-20.
In the process of leading this remarkable team turnaround, Woodson also got his career back on track. In spring he was in danger of losing his position but he ended the season, the MVP of a bowl game, atop the SEC passing charts with 3,515 yards and in the process became only the second Kentucky QB (behind Jared Lorenzen) to throw for 30 or more TD’s in a single season.
In 2007, Woodson continued this excellent form, firmly establishing himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the nation. The pinnacle arguably came in the triple overtime victory over eventual national champions LSU. Along the way, he broke the NCAA record for consecutive passes and the SEC record for TD passes in a single season with 40. To hold these records in the ever competitive South Eastern Conference indicates Andre’s ability to play consistently at a high level, making smart decisions and executing these. The Diner believes there is a way to go in terms of Woodson’s potential but it is clear that the sky could be the limit for Andre in the NFL.
What we like about Woodson
 The Diner looks at Woodson and sees the physique of a prototype quarterback. At 6 foot 5 inches and 230 pounds, he has everything you need for a signal caller. So, an apology if this sounds like a prototype, but Woodson really does have these abilities. He possesses a very strong arm, and is also accurate as his TD/INT ratio indicates.
In the past two years he has shown he can make all the throws necessary to take to the next level, and uses this ability well. He isn’t hugely mobile but can move freely enough around the pocket to evade pressure and avoid hits. If pressure is coming, Woodson is brave enough to stand there and take a hit, without making critical mistakes and turning the ball over. Naturally, he is quiet but draws team-mates around him through leading by example. They clearly respond to him and play up when around him.
Arguably the biggest positive for Woodson beyond ticking all the necessary boxes is that he is still improving. From the end of his sophomore year he has continually improved and got better. There is no reason why this cannot continue with work in the NFL to do so.
Question marks over Woodson
Despite possessing all the necessary attributes, there are still some concerns over Woodson. The learning at the pro level should come in his stride but he will need some time to learn pro style defences. Coaches may need to assist in evolving his delivery of the football, and focus his mind more as there are occasions when he relies and places too much trust in his own arm strength. As with many colleges QB’s, he played a great deal out of the shotgun, and this will need to be addressed. When rushing with the football, Andre tends to have protection issues and is prone to losing the ball.
Critically, Andre is not a particularly vocal team leader, taking control of situations on the field, tending to prefer to lead by example. This has worked at college level, but to fulfil his undoubted potential in the pro’s he will have to improve his vocal leadership.
Highlight of his college career
Andre was the MVP on the Music City Bowl in consecutive years (2006 and 2007), but his biggest achievement was his NCAA record 325 passes without an interception (breaking Trent Dilfer’s record of 271 passes). He also holds the SEC record for the most touchdown passes in a season with 40.
Other snippets of info
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Andre comes from a military family. Born in Washington State, he has since lived in Germany, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii.
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Andre’s major at Kentucky was Kinesiology.
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Of players currently in the NFL, Andre is similar to Jason Campbell.
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Fits Baltimore, Atlanta, and any team who have a starter in place so can devote time to bring Woodson along.
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