University Southern California Trojans
Heritage Association Spotlight: Antwaun Woods, Football
April 30, 2019 | Football, Trojan Athletic Fund, Features
Woods was poised to have an instant impact on the team, but he had to put his dreams of playing on hold for another year when he ended up redshirting. "That was hard, but I knew I wasn't ready to play at my best. I had to be honest with myself. I knew the time would come". He rehabbed and trained hard his first year on campus and made his freshman debut as a starter. Woods went on to record 111 tackles, 8 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss throughout his college career.
Antwaun had dreams of playing in the NFL after college, but he was faced with a harsh reality when he went undrafted in 2016. He continued to work hard though, and ended up signing with the Tennessee Titans. "I had to really have confidence in myself that I could cut it at the professional level. I had to remind myself of my redshirt year, knowing I could do it – the time would come." Now, it has. Last year, Woods signed a two year contract with the Dallas Cowboys and was the team's starting nose tackle. "I love being a part of the Cowboys family. I truly feel like I'm at a place where they value me as a person and a player."
Through it all, Woods says he has been amazed by the support of his Trojan family. He visits campus whenever he's back in LA and still has good relationships with some of his trainers and tutors. He's also stayed close with his former USC teammates. "I have some really close friends that I played with at USC. We support each other through everything. You spend all those years battling with these guys that it really becomes a brotherhood."
Last month, Woods was honored at the annual Clay Helton Golf Tournament and he says it was really meaningful. "I hear about the different events that are hosted by the athletic department, but this was the first time I was able to participate. On top of that, being honored was special. I had a blast and I can't wait to get more involved as an alum. The Trojan family is everything to me."
When asked what advice he would give to the current USC student-athletes, Woods says to "stay focused and lock in on what's important. Sometimes, at a place like USC, you have so many things to worry about – school, practice, am I going to play professionally. Just stay focused on the here and now. Be present in where you are in the moment." Well said advice from a true Trojan!
