Florida DE holds Gamecocks, Spurrier in high regard

Defensive end Jordan Woods of Citra, Fla., has South Carolina among his top six schools.

Is it because of USC’s recent run of success with defensive ends? No. Is it due to the new football facilities under construction? Not at all. Woods makes no bones about it. USC is one of his favorites because Steve Spurrier is one of his favorites.

“I love coach Steve Spurrier,” Woods said. “He doesn’t know how much I look at him as a figurehead in college football. I believe he has the ability to be the greatest college coach of all time. I just love the way he plays the game. He made the spread. He made that whole offense. He revolutionized the quarterback position.”

“I really like South Carolina,” Woods continued. “They’ve always been at the top of my conversations. I have to get there and see them. I actually like South Carolina. I root for South Carolina. What sets them up so well is they have a couple of defensive ends who are leaving after this season and they have a need there right now and I can make an immediate impact.”

Woods last talked with his Gamecocks recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. a couple of weeks back. The rest of his lead pack are Florida, West Virginia, Louisville, Miami and Tennessee. He wants to visit all of his favorites this summer, then take official visits to his final five schools before make his commitment. He visited Florida in June because it’s close to home and because the Gators are recruiting him hard.

“Coach McIlwain is making it clear he needs Central Florida kids,” Woods said.

He’s not claiming a leader among his top six, saying it was a brand new start for all of them when he cut his list to six.

Last season Woods recorded 16 sacks along with 60 tackles.