The Philadelphia Eagles have added two players to their practice squad, including former University of Pittsburgh cornerback A.J. Woods.
Practice Squad: We have signed WR Danny Gray and DB A.J. Woods and released LB Brandon Smith and WR Griffin Hebert. pic.twitter.com/lghtyQj77R
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 10, 2024
The Rise of A.J. Woods: From Pitt Standout to NFL Hopeful.
A.J. Woods’ journey to the NFL has been an impressive one, filled with standout performances during his time as a cornerback for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers.
Hailing from Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland, Woods came to Pitt as a two-star recruit according to 247Sports, ranked as the 35th best player in Maryland and the 218th best athlete in the Class of 2019. Rivals, on the other hand, rated him as a three-star prospect and the 21st best player in his home state.
Despite his modest recruiting rankings, Woods wasted no time making an impact for the Panthers. As a true freshman in 2019, he played in 10 games, showcasing his versatility with 5 kickoff returns and 3 tackles on kickoff coverage.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the 2020 season, but Woods continued to be a key contributor, appearing in all 11 games and starting 3 at cornerback. He finished the year with 17 tackles (15 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, and 3 passes defended.
Woods’ breakout season came in 2021, when he played in 13 games, including a start in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State. His standout performances helped the Panthers win their first-ever ACC Championship, as he recorded 27 tackles (21 solo), 0.5 tackles for loss, 8 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and an interception in the ACC Championship game against Wake Forest.
The following year, in 2022, Woods continued to be a defensive stalwart, playing in all 13 games and starting 5. He made 28 tackles (19 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and a career-high 14 passes defended.
Determined to make the most of his final season, Woods used his COVID-19 extra year of eligibility in 2023. He played in all 12 games, starting 5, and finished with 30 tackles (15 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 4 passes defended.
Over his impressive five-year career at Pitt, Woods played in 59 games, starting 14. He amassed 102 tackles (69 solo), 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 4 interceptions, 25 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble.
Woods’ standout performances earned him a spot at the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl, a postseason all-star game featuring the top senior talent in the country. Additionally, he impressed at Pitt’s Pro Day, recording blistering times of 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 6.56 seconds in the three-cone drill, which would have ranked him among the top cornerbacks at the NFL Combine.
Though he went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Woods’ journey continues as he has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, joining former Pitt teammates Kenny Pickett and Avonte Maddox on the roster. With his exceptional talent and tireless work ethic, A.J. Woods is poised to make his mark at the next level and fulfill his NFL dreams.
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