True freshmen don’t get playing time at FCS programs very often and it’s even more rare at the cornerback position, which is one the more difficult spots to master. And when rookie cornerbacks do play early, it’s unlikely they flew under the radar quite like Montana State’s rookie corner has leading up his debut season.
Montana State’s Simeon Woodard is no stranger to challenges. The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder out of San Antonio’s Veteran’s Memorial High School bucked the odds and has not only snagged considerable playing time as a backup, but also picked off a pass against Portland State at a key moment in the game in MSU’s 30-17 road victory to open up Big Sky Conference play.
With the Bobcats trailing 10-3 early in the second quarter, in part due to a TD catch by Woodard’s man (Nate Bennett), and the Vikings driving in MSU territory fresh off a fourth down conversion, Woodard had to be feeling about as challenged as he had ever been.
His highlight videos show a player with a strong knack for breaking on the ball as he had numerous interceptions and pass breakups over the course of his prep career doing just that.
So, naturally, he stepped in front of PSU quarterback Davis Alexander’s intended receiver and wrestled the ball away for his first college interception, putting an end to an eight-play drive that could’ve put the Vikings up by two touchdowns.
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“Ah, man it felt so good,” he said of his interception. “At first I was just gonna break it up, but realized I got there a little early. I ended up catching the ball. I got up and I was like, ‘wow!’ It was just an unreal feeling.
“I was just reading my key. I see something and I know there’s something coming, so I’m paranoid, I break and I see a receiver run a hitch, quarterback throws it, and from there it’s just go get the ball go make a play.”
MSU didn’t put points on the scoreboard after the turnover, but it did put the defense in better field position after a Bryce Leighton punt and allowed them to regroup after a sluggish start that saw PSU put up 190 yards of total offense to that point.
“I knew we didn’t have many points on the board, so getting a turnover I knew that could create momentum for us and our offense, and eventually change the momentum of the game.”
Woodard and the Bobcat’ defense allowed just 161 yards and seven points the remainder of the game as MSU came alive offensively to score on six of seven possessions before sitting on the ball at the PSU 6 after driving 67 yards on nine plays to burn up the final 6:30 of the game clock.
“We came out with the W, so that’s always good,” Woodard said after the game. “We didn’t get off to as hot of a start as we thought we would, but ended up finishing the game strong.”
Being a true freshman isn’t lost on Woodard. He understands coaches are looking for perceived weak spots in their opponents.
“A lot of times when I go out on the field I know the (offensive coordinators) will go after the young freshman” he said. “I always try to stay on my game. Here and there I’ll have a few slip ups, but I try to have a short-term memory and move onto the next play.
“I all here for it. I love it,” he said of the coordinators looking to throw the ball his way. “If they want to come after me I’m gonna show them why they shouldn’t.”
But Woodard isn’t just any true freshman. Eleven Football Championship Subdivision programs offered him a scholarship and several Football Bowl Subdivision teams showed interest, including MSU defensive coordinator Freddie Banks, who is also the defensive backs coach and was at Nevada at the time Woodard was being recruited. Ultimately MSU assistant coach Kyle Risinger is who got Woodard to commit, although Woodard’s recruiting from the MSU side wasn’t covered with much fervor.
The Bobcats showed fervor in their pursuit, however, landing Woodard
“They sent countless amount of letter,” he said of the MSU recruiters. “No other coaching staffs’ recruiters compared to (MSU). I just felt the love and on top of the that, it being Montana State, I know that this place is a crazy atmosphere and it all just came together and it worked out to be the perfect place to come.”
Not knowing what his playing status would be his parents and family hadn’t made any plans to go to any of his games and haven’t seen him play at MSU in person. Woodard says they’re making plans to be at this week’s homecoming game against Cal Poly, the Cat-Griz game in Missoula on November 20, and possibly others now that he has a solid role.
“My mom sent me three text messages after I got that interception,” he said. “She said she was screaming. My dad sent me a text and I just know my family’s proud of me whether I’m playing or not.”
Aside from his coaches, Woodard credits teammates James Campbell and Jeff Manning for helping him transition into his position. Campbell was one of MSU’s starting cornerbacks, but has been out with an injury. Manning plays safety.
Woodard says his first day at MSU camp he was burned three times in a row. Cam Gardner toasted him twice and Willie Patterson got him once. Those moments certainly appear to be behind him.
The Bobcats take on Cal Poly Saturday at 2 at Bobcat Stadium.
Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.
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