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Newcomer Woodard in the Middle of ULM's Latest Win

Newcomer Woodard in the Middle of ULM's Latest Win

Football Sep 20
By ULMWarhawks.com Online Columnist Paul Letlow

A two-point lead hung in the balance as the ULM defense assembled on the field late in the fourth quarter of Saturday night's game against Jackson State.

As he trotted out to his middle linebacker position, junior Zack Woodard assessed the situation. ULM led 9-7, but JSU was starting a drive at the Warhawks 45 and only needed a field goal to retake the lead.

"As a whole defense, we all had confidence," said Woodard, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound junior. "With the way we played the whole night, we all felt confident that if we did our job we could get off the field. Our mindset after they scored that first time was, 'No more.'"

Making his second start for ULM and the 20th of his collegiate career, the transfer from Jacksonville State intercepted JSU quarterback Shedeur Sanders' first-down pass attempt at the 31 and returned the ball 23 yards to the Tigers' 46-yard line. The takeaway allowed ULM to add a field goal and pad its lead a few plays later to win its first game since 2019, 12-7.

"They're always pushing us," Woodard said of his experiences so far at ULM. "They know how good we can be and will be. They're already pushing us for greatness. It's been a good experience."

Woodard arrived at ULM a seasoned veteran ready to contribute. At Jacksonville State, he was a three-year letterman who appeared in 32 career games with 18 starts at Mike linebacker. Coming into this season his career totals included 150 total tackles (72 solos, 78 assists), with 15.5 for losses (37 yards) and four interceptions. He's reached double-figure tackles in four career games.

"I knew my time was up," Woodard said about leaving his home state of Alabama for Louisiana. "It was time for something new."

After Woodard entered the transfer portal, he connected former Jacksonville State assistant Willie Green, who'd been hired by Terry Bowden at ULM.

"Coach Green and Coach (Zac) Alley's personality are what made it feel like home and made me believe we can turn this around together and do it as a team," Woodard said.

Woodard said Green reached out a few days after he entered the portal to gauge his interest in ULM.

"He hit me up and was like, 'How do you feel about ULM?" the Thomasville (Ala.) High School product said. "It was FBS and it was a team turning around. The way Coach Alley recruited me it felt like home."

Part of a big roster turnover at ULM, Woodard said he never felt like an outsider after arriving in Monroe, La.

"You would be amazed," Woodard said. "I came in the summer and it was like, 'It's time to get started.' They welcomed all the old players and the new players. Guys like Ty Shelby and Web (Traveion Webster), it was just a warm welcome and we all got to know each other. It was easy to bond and work to get better. Real easy."

Woodard impressed the staff and earned his chance to start the first two games with ULM. He's a good communicator and hasn't taken his opportunities for granted. He's made seven tackles with a pass break-up and the interception in his first two outings.

"It was an opportunity to come in and fight to earn a position," he said. "Every day in practice, I know I have a battle because KeyShawn Johnson is on me and has a lot of ability. I know every day I have to battle because the dude behind me can do the same thing."

Beyond his football talents, Woodard is also proud of his academic accomplishments. While at Jacksonville State, he was named to the All-OVC Second Team as well as the NCAA Football Championship Series ADA Academic All-Star Team in 2019. Already armed with his degree in accounting, Woodard is currently pursuing a master's in business administration.

"I've got to give all credit for that to God first. Thank you Lord," Woodard said. "And secondly, Gachel Woodard, my mom. My mom has been hard on me with school since I can remember. It stuck with me and I always shoot for the best."

Woodard said spirits are high around the program this week after the Jackson State win.

"Now that we've got that taste for it, it's all we want," Woodard said. "We want to move forward and keep winning. Keep getting better and better."
 
 
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