2011 standout DT lands No. 2

You can never have enough quality defensive tackles in your program and because so colleges are trying to get a beat on one the Golden State's best defensive tackles for the class of 2011 in Antwaun Woods (6-1, 280) from Woodland Hills (Calif.) Taft. Woods received his second offer yesterday and like his first, it is from a Pac 10 school.

"I got word from Coach Rick Neuheisel that he wanted me to come out and check out his practice," Woods said. "I watched the practice and afterwards he came to me and said that I have a scholarship and UCLA offered me."

"Getting a UCLA offer made me feel pretty good," Woods said. "It is a good school and they are coming along.

"The thing that interests me about UCLA is they are low on defensive tackles," Woods said. "I think I could there right now and be rotating with Brian Price. They are low on D-tackles."

UCLA joins their archrival and cross town neighbor, USC who offered the talented Mr. Woods about week and half ago.

"I have always loved USC ever since I was a little kid," Woods said. "They have a great program. They are on top of the list right now.

"USC is really good" Woods said. "Their D-line coach, Coach Jethro Franklin is really good. I just love everything about that program."

Even though a decision isn't needn't for quite some time, is this going to be a recruiting battle between the two local schools or is Woods open?

"I really don't know right," Woods said. "I'm just thinking a lot about football and programs and where I should go.

"First I want to see how many offers I will get, so I will know what to choose from," Woods said. "USC is definitely on top right now, but I know that UCLA is low on D-tackles. I know there would be good playing time there at UCLA, but it is all about what program fits me."

USC and UCLA will no doubt have a lot of company when recruitment really heats up for Woods, who could be the best defensive tackle prospect out of the Los Angeles area since UCLA junior Brian Price or USC sophomore Jurrell Casey.

The talent class of 2011 defensive tackle has other schools on his mind, other than his two local schools.

"I have liked Florida, too," Woods said. "I think Florida has been my favorite school, on a football basis.

"I know that Tennessee has a good D-line coach (Ed Orgeron)," Woods said. "All the good schools like Oklahoma and Miami, who had Warren Sapp, do. I like schools that have good D-line coaches that do a good job developing their players for pro football."

While Woods has awhile to think about the attributes that he will be looking when it comes his time to make that all important decision, but is there anything specific he is looking in a college?

"The biggest thing is my dad wants me to choose is academics," Woods said. "Regarding the football program, I like a high tempo, fast pace and a good coaching staff.

"I'm not worrying about playing time, because I know I'll compete for playing time," Woods said. "I like to compete. You have to compete either way.

"So it's going to the football program, the academics and where the school is located," Woods said. "Stuff like that."

Is leaving the Golden State an option?

"I've only left the state a couple of times," Woods said. "That's why I want to see how many offers I get so I can take some trips. To see the colleges' community and see where they are at.

"I only know USC and UCLA," Woods said. "I went to Penn State for a camp, so that's all I know. I want to see the world more so I can make a better decision."

With early college attention there is always the pressure to perform and though Woods has high expectations for himself this fall, he's going to concentrate on just playing football.

"I'm not really setting goals for stats," Woods said. "I made that mistake last year and I overwhelmed myself.

"I just want to stay focused, go hard in the classroom and to stay healthy," Woods said. "Last year, I sprained my Achilles', the first game of the season and the rest of the season, I didn't play as well as I could.

"I'm just going to try and stay healthy, get in shape and go all out man."