Drew Woodaz knew Clemson was the place for him. His most recent visit for the spring game only reinforced that thinking.
The 3-star linebacker, who is the younger brother of current Clemson Tiger Wade Woodaz, recently went on a religious retreat with his high school (Jesuit, Tampa, FL) and it gave him a lot of time to think about his future. By the end of it, he knew his heart was in Clemson, and on Thursday, he made it official by announcing a commitment.
“At my high school we are required to go on a Kairos retreat and I had a lot of time to think about my future,” Woodaz told All Clemson Tigers. “Ultimately, God led me to Clemson and it just felt right.”
However, it wasn’t an easy decision. Oklahoma was also heavily involved in recruiting Woodaz and finished as the runner-up. Playing for former Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables was something that intrigued the younger Woodaz.
“The two programs were very close and very similar,” he said. “I love all the coaches on the staff at OU and it ultimately came down to what would be best for me and my family. I felt that it was Clemson.”
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound prospect tallied 92 tackles during his junior campaign. He also picked off two passes and was credited with 12 pass break-ups and four blocked kicks.
At the end of the day, having the opportunity to once again play with his older brother was just too good to pass up.
“(Wade) knew before almost everyone else,” Woodaz said. “He was excited because we get to play together again.”
Woodaz picked up his offer from the Tigers back in January after visiting for Elite Junior Day. He was back on campus last weekend for the spring game, getting his first look at the new Clemson offense.
“The offense looked smooth and it should be fun to watch this year,” Woodaz said. “The linebacker position looked very good. Great to see veterans play and make plays and young guys stepping up was awesome.”
While there was some talk that a decision might not come until July, Woodaz already knew where he wanted to go and felt like there was no need to let things play out any longer.
“I made my decision now because I felt there is no point in sitting on a decision that I knew I was going to make,” Woodaz said. “I knew where I wanted to be.”
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