Georgia Tech Recruiting: 4-Star DE Jordan Woods is Commitment #16

Excellent news dropped for Georgia Tech's coaches and fans on Monday night, as 4-star DE Jordan Woods committed to play on the Flats:

Official committed to Georgia Tech #WeSwarmTogether

— 0000 (@jordantc80) January 26, 2016

The commitment from Woods is amazing, considering the way that events have unfolded over the past 11 days. We told you on January 14th, less than 24 hours before he was due to visit the Flats, that Woods had already committed to the coaches somewhere, and would be announcing the commitment on the Monday following the visit. At that point, the signs were not pointing towards him committing to Georgia Tech, and there was significant smoke indicating that Tennessee would be his school of choice. However, it was that same weekend that saw a recruit back off of his commitment to the Volunteers due to major displeasure with the coaching staff, and Woods had not posted a video by late Monday evening. Things were looking better for the Jackets. It was this past weekend that Woods was due to visit West Virginia, although he was unable to make that visit due to weather-related issues. Now, just 11 days after he was figured to be all but lost to Tennessee, Georgia Tech's coaches have secured the commitment of Woods.

Woods is listed at 6'4", 255 pounds, and hails from Citra, FL -- about 30 minutes south of Gainesville. He attended North Marion High School, where he was one of three Power-5 level prospects on his team and is one of several Power-5 prospects over the past decade-plus. He has teammates pledged to Florida, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown State just this year. He joins numerous players on Georgia Tech's roster with Florida roots, although he becomes the first commitment of this class from the Sunshine State. (Although it should be noted that previously-committed OL Jordan Johnson and Trysten Hill were both from Florida.)

Looking at Woods' film, it's immediately apparent why he was a very highly-rated prospect. The first thing that I noticed was his consistent ability to wrap up ballcarriers, even in the open field without help. His tackling ability is really aided by some excellent athleticism, shown with his speed and agility as he dodges blockers and steps into running lanes. Finally, notice his clear football intelligence, awareness, and instinctive play style. Several highlights show Woods sniffing out screen passes, avoiding overrunning plays to the outside, and generally avoiding traps from misdirection.

With his commitment, Woods becomes the highest-rated player in Georgia Tech's 2016 class, and one of the highest-rated players to ever commit under Coach Johnson and his staff. He's a four-star recruit per Rivals (5.8), and the first recruit rated as such by Rivals since Step Durham in the class of 2014. He's a three-star recruit per the 247Sports Composite (.8869), but the highest-rated recruit in those rankings since Shamire Devine in the class of 2013. He is a four-star recruit per ESPN (80), and a three-star recruit per Scout.

Congratulations to Woods and his family on his commitment, and congratulations to the Georgia Tech coaching staff on a job well done!