2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Roderick Woods Jr., LB, New Mexico Highlands

• Name: Roderick Woods Jr
• Position: Linebacker
• College: New Mexico Highlands 
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 230
• Twitter: @roderickwoods43
• Instagram: _cero__0

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft?

My play-making ability, my physicality, and my intelligence for the game are only some of what makes me a top prospect. What really sets me apart from other prospects is my ability to run to the ball every play. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

When I was 5 years old playing in the yard with my cousins. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

That I will be an ambassador to which ever team decides to take a chance on me.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Adversity causes some men to break and others to break records” -Hershel Walker 

Who was your childhood hero?

My child hood hero is my mom. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

In my opinion, the most underrated person in the locker room is Joe Smith.  

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is quitting. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment for me to overcome was back in 2018 when my aunt had stage four cancer and I left Tennessee State University to be with her. She passed a few months after leaving school, it was a very tough time.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The coaches we have are great and bring a lot of experience and knowledge that translates to the field.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is bananas.  

What is the best part of football?

The best parts of football are contact and winning.  

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

If you and your organization give me a shot, I’ll prove  that I belong in the NFL. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I would compare my play to Micah Parsons because of my ability to play multiple positions and my athleticism. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would have dinner with Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Lawrence Taylor because they are people who are legendary within their fields. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were extremely significant in the civil rights movement which I appreciate, and Lawrence Taylor is my favorite football player of all time.