Ed Woods Commits to Michigan State: A Game-Changer for the Spartans' Secondary

Portal Battles: MSU - 1, Alabama - 0

Ed Woods committed to MSU on Tuesday. Picking the Spartans over Alabama and their new head coach Kalen DeBoer. The junior transfer from Arizona State was highly sought after.

Woods entered the portal after 4 years at ASU, the last two in a starting role. In fact, he was ranked as ASU's highest-graded returning player at 76.8. In the last two years, he's started 13 games, combined for 61 tackles, 1 Sack, 3 forced fumbles, 1 INT, and 10 pass deflections. At 6-0, he has good size, and it shows on the field in his press ability—something MSU hasn't successfully seen in a few years.

Smith has made it clear he prefers transfers with experience and production, Woods checks both boxes. Smiths has done a nice job identifying instant contributors and longer-term prospects. What makes this even more appealing is that Woods has two years of eligibility remaining. I expect Woods to slot into a starting CB role from day one and add to the trio of Juniors already in starting roles: Mangham, Spencer, and Tatum. Between the portal and the NFL draft, you never know what the future holds, but running all four back next year, with more time in the system, would be special.

As for what the rest of the CB room looks like. 1. Check out our DB position room breakdown. 2. We have some good young talent in Coley, Rucker, Brantley, and Willie. My guess is those at the top 4. They are backed up by vets in Melvin and Crump. Followed by a few true freshmen in Brison, Thompson, and Williams. I'm not 100% sure if they are playing CB or Safety. The addition of Woods could influence a player or two lower on the depth chart to enter the portal last minute.

So how did MSU land Woods over Alabama? It turns out MSU DL coach Demetrice Martin recruited Woods out of HS when Martin was at Arizona a few years ago. It appears that connection stayed strong and was likely a major factor in Woods's decision to consider MSU. The pitch was convincing enough to get Woods not to commit to Alabama on his visit over the weekend and to wait to see MSU. While we wait for more reporting to come out, I assume Martin had a big role in this. So tip of the cap.

This is a great get. He should plug right into a starting role and have the ability to return next year. He instantly adds talent to the room, raising the floor and ceiling of the group. Great fit, well done Smith.