The tides have shifted for Jackson Woodard, a former University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) linebacker, as the Houston Texans snapped him up off waivers this past Wednesday. Woodard, who was recently cut loose by the Seattle Seahawks following their rookie minicamp, is now setting foot onto Texan soil. News 3 LV reported the Texans' acquisition of Woodard after Seattle released him on Tuesday.
Despite the release, having signed as an undrafted free agent with the Seahawks, Woodard's reputation preludes him as the reigning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. "He helped lead UNLV to a second straight Mountain West title game appearance and the program’s first bowl victory since 2000", claimed Las Vegas Review-Journal. His college stats make an impressive read with a total of 135 combined tackles, 17 for a loss, along with 3.5 sacks and four interceptions.
The Texans are evidently looking to bolster their defensive lineup by adding Woodard, who also garnered academic accolades during his time at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The young athlete became University of Nevada, Las Vegas's first-ever finalist for the NFF James Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the Academic Heisman, as per News 3 LV.
Woodard's transition to the Texans is viewed by some as a strategic move to strengthen the team's defense ahead of the upcoming season. After being released by the Seahawks, it did not take long for them to recognize his potential, they claimed Woodard the following day. Showcasing this resilience, Woodard is poised to bring his A-game to the field in Houston, as reported by News 3 LV.
