/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59099849/Al_vonte_Woodard___247.0.jpg)
Al’vonte Woodard, Texas’ elite defensive back signee?
Not quite.
Rather, Woodard made his name as an Under Armour All-American and the nation’s No. 104 player by embarrassing defensive backs throughout his high school career at Houston Lamar. But dubbed as an elite athlete and revered for his footwork and reputation as a tactician, it’s possible Woodard would have made a name for himself had he taken his talents to the other side of the ball.
What would that look like on film?
Woodard provided a quick glimpse of his competency in coverage during an offseason training video.
I could play DB too... What y’all think? pic.twitter.com/xC5cX2fSmI
— Al'vonte Woodard⁴ (@Vonte_4) March 19, 2018
Of course, Texas hauling in a six-man defensive back class that features two of Woodard’s Lamar teammates in Anthony Cook and D’shawn Jamison makes the odds of Woodard joining the secondary next to non-existent, especially when the incoming unit has been praised as arguably the best secondary haul in recruiting history. And furthermore, due to the aforementioned footwork and precise technique as a route runner, which allows Woodard to find open space almost effortlessly, it’s safe to say Texas would prefer the four-star signee catching passes, rather than defending them.
— Al'vonte Woodard⁴ (@Vonte_4) March 19, 2018
Woodard signed to the Longhorns as the nation’s No. 20 wide receiver prospect and the No. 11 player in Texas, per the 247Sports Composite.