2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zack Woodard, LB, Louisiana-Monroe

Name: Zack Woodard

• Position: Inside Linebacker
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 235 lbs
• School: University of Louisiana at Monroe
• Level: Division I FBS – Sun Belt Conference
• Instagram: _zackwoodard5
• Twitter: _zackwoodard05

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

I got my undergrad in Accounting, now I’m trying to get my masters in Business Administration. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Leadership and simply being there for people. Communication and understanding are my top priorities. I am a team captain on defense. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I played middle linebacker and I’ve been in several different schemes. I have had six different linebacker coaches and five defensive coordinators. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Boogie Knight – his work ethic is just different compared to others 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

My thought process when it comes to game preparation. I am trying to recognize what the offense is doing on every play of the game. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

My redshirt sophomore year when I tore my labrum in fall camp and still won All-Conference 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I am most proud of getting my accounting degree (before eligibility ran out) and working for my MBA. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

The pick against Jackson State last year, it was a close game and that turnover occurred on one of their last drives. We won with a field goal. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite athlete: Lebron James

I really just do my own thing and I have my own style, but Luke Kuechly was always a guy of interest

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

The thought of just going out there and making everyone happy, from my teammates to my family and the rest of my community. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I’m heavily invested into the stock market currently, but I also play video games and hang out with my friends. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

Football just started as a passion, but then I realized I could use it to put my family in a better position. I also started to have closer bonds with teammates as the years went by, which made me want to stick around in that environment.

What do you want NFL teams to know about you?

I have been through multiple schemes and can learn quickly – that should make me a valuable asset.  

Other notes: 

I came from Thomasville, Alabama. Had great junior and senior years but the recruiting wasn’t the same because we were between Mobile and Birmingham. Committed to Jacksonville State since it was one of my only offers. I was a role player my freshman year, and it only went up from there. Once I knew I had done everything I could at the FCS level, especially for the program itself, I knew I wanted to move up to the FBS level. This will now be my second year at ULM.