LaMarr Woodley: A Defensive End Ahead of the Game

LaMarr Woodley, the defensive end for the University of Michigan, has been a standout player throughout his college career. His senior year has seen him excel in his traditional defensive end role, racking up 11 sacks and leading the team with his speed and agility. Woodley's incredible leadership skills have also earned him the title of team captain, despite his initial reservations about his ability to lead due to his tendency to be quiet on the field. With a bevy of talented seniors by his side, Woodley has been able to step up and guide his team to victory.

Key Takeaways:

Woodley was recruited by head coach Lloyd Carr and assistant Fred Jackson in his senior year of high school, where they predicted he would play in an Ohio State-Michigan game with both teams holding top two national rankings. This prediction has come true in his final year at Michigan.
Woodley's strengths lie in his ability to rush the quarterback, with his favorite moves being the bull rush and going around the edge.
As a rush linebacker last season, Woodley was primarily responsible for pressuring the quarterback, but this season, he has adapted to a more traditional defensive end role.
According to head coach Lloyd Carr, Woodley was one of the most highly recruited players in the country when he was a senior in high school.
Woodley has surpassed Carr's expectations, not only as a player but also as a leader, with Carr praising his unselfish nature and ability to motivate his teammates.
Woodley has a strong career record, with 51.5 tackles for loss, ranking second on Michigan's all-time list.
Woodley has been an asset to the Michigan offense, with lineman Rueben Riley saying that having him as a defensive end made him someone else's problem in practice, but overall, Riley believes that Wood's ability to rush the quarterback is his greatest strength.

Statistics:

Woodley has 11 sacks this season, leading the team in defensive end production.
He weighs 268 pounds and has a reputation for being quick and agile.
Woodley's career tackles for loss rank second on Michigan's all-time list, with 51.5.
He was a freshman linebacker who decided not to redshirt, instead moving to defensive end where he excelled for a young player on campus.
Woodley faced off against Jake Long, a well-renowned offensive lineman, in practice, citing him as one of the toughest opponents he's ever faced.

Sources:

Bo Schembechler, former Michigan coach, Bo Schembechler
LaMarr Woodley, defensive end, University of Michigan, no date
Lloyd Carr, head coach, University of Michigan, no date
Rueben Riley, lineman, University of Michigan, no date