DUNNELLON, FL (352today.com) – LJ Woods seems to be genetically predisposed toward athletics.
His father, Regas, is a two-time member of the U.S. Paralympic team, and he has a number of family members who have succeeded in various athletic disciplines.
So, it was easy to draw the conclusion that the 16-year-old might possess some of those same traits.
Woods should make his presence felt this fall as a member of the perennial powerhouse Dunnellon High School (DHS) Tigers varsity football team.
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The rising junior’s been a presence at the games for a number of years, getting exposure to the sport in different capacities, familiarizing himself from an early age.
“I’ve known LJ for 10 plus years,” said Tommy Sutton, DHS head football coach. “He’s always been around the program. He’s a great kid. I’ve had the opportunity to watch him grow year after year, physically and naturally that’s going to happen. But his leadership qualities, watching them grow, and that’s with everybody on the team.”
Battling injury
The Tigers beat Florida State University High School on Saturday 21-14 but did so without Woods who the coaching staff says is out a few weeks due to injury.
A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, curtailed the multi-sport athlete’s ability to participate in his passions causing him to miss his sophomore year. But his determination acted as a catalyst during his rehabilitation, speaking volumes about his character. Now more than a year later, he seems poised to make a difference on the gridiron.
Even with the injury, he was still in the weight room working on his upper body and preparing for his return this fall.
“I’m just getting back to actually being able to play,” said Woods. “It was a tough time at first, but I had to wait my turn. I was hungry seeing everybody else play. I wanted to be out there with the guys.”
The Tigers are away against Bradford High School this Friday, Aug. 30.
Multi-sport athlete
A high football IQ and his ability to adapt to different positions are helping Woods evolve as an athlete.
“LJ, in general, is a football player,” said Justin Hamm, DHS defensive backs coach. “He understands the game, in and out, offensively and defensively.”
Plans call for the 6-foot, 162-pound Woods to play cornerback and free safety. But he’s also distinguished himself on the field as a wide receiver. He also took some reps on the junior varsity team as a quarterback, providing him with additional insight into pass coverage, route concepts, where the defensive backs should be positioned and what pressures will affect the quarterback steps.
“He’s a kid that’s been involved in our program since I started coaching here,” said Josh Burkhart, DHS offensive coordinator, whose been with the program for eight years. “I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he can do and a lot of that has to do with the setback he had. The great thing is, is that we’re blessed to have a lot of great athletes on this football team. It’s only raising the bar for him and everyone around him.”
As a Paralympian, his father Regas is a standout sprinter and long jumper and serves as a role model for his son’s multi-sport athleticism. In addition to football, LJ is also point guard in basketball and switch hitter in baseball.
“He’s been really big about putting in work and recovering. After you put in your work, staying up on my grades, being respectful and being an all-around person,” said LJ. “He taught me to be a man.”