Oklahoma State University Athletics
Familiar Name Making His Own Way At Wideout
April 06, 2006 | Cowboy Football
Somebody needed to come along and continue this legacy of outstanding wide receivers that Hart Lee Dykes started and Rashaun Woods maintained. Ironically enough, that somebody slept in the same house as Rashaun for most of his childhood.
When he came to school D'Juan Woods knew he had big shoes to fill as the primary receiver when his older brother left for the NFL.
“I wouldn't want it to be anybody else but me, I kind of took that mindset. I would feel that if I didn't win that go-to status I would have failed regardless if I put up the same numbers as him.”
The numbers, however, have been impressive. When he graduates and heads for the next level, D'Juan Woods will be at, or near, the top in every relevant career receiving statistical category. Last year he produced his best season leading the team with 56 receptions for 879 yards and eight touchdowns.
Nevertheless, the 6-4 senior says his legacy isn't based on numbers.
“It's a combination of everything. Being a part of a Cowboy team that went to three straight bowls, being a part of turning the program around, and just being in that group of guys. We have some special players on this team and they are going to do big things in the future.”
One of those players slated to do big things is wide receiver transfer from North Carolina, Adarius Bowman. D'Juan is elated at the opportunity to line up opposite such a playmaker.
“He's a beast, he's very intimidating out there. He can make good plays, catch the ball in his hands, and run with it after the catch.”
Coach Gundy agrees that most of the double and triple teams D'Juan faced last year will be erased by the arrival of Bowman.
“The biggest thing will be with the safety over the top. It's very difficult to double team two sides of the field.”
D'Juan has done his best to make things difficult for Big 12 cornerbacks in his three years as a Cowboy. He says he tries to improve his performance in the offseason by becoming a student of the game.
“[I try] to watch the best guys in the league. [I try] to get my hands on as much film to get the inside scoop. If you want to be the best you have to train like the best, watch the best, and listen to the best. That's basically my philosophy”
He lists Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams as the receiver he tries hardest to emulate.
“He's just a guy who is not very tall, has good speed, but he still makes plays and makes things happen.”
If D'Juan keeps improving his football skills there may be a few future Cowboys doing their best to emulate him someday.
Whatever the case D'Juan plans on being successful after graduation. He understands that there is life after football and has a coach who drives this point home.
“He's molding us not only to be good football players but to be good men. [He wants us] to be successful in life as a whole, not just to win games.”
D'Juan Woods gets it. He understands the game of football very well, but the game of life even better. He seeks to learn in the classroom and on the field. The Pokes only hope he confuses his opponents for one more year.
Wednesday Practice Report
The Cowboys hit the practice field on Wednesday for the eighth of their 15 scheduled workouts this spring. OSU worked out for more than 2 1/2 hours in windy conditions with the temperature pushing 90 degrees.
Offensively, the Cowboys moved the ball well and were able to produce several big plays.
“It was a considerably better day for the offense,” head coach Mike Gundy commented. “I look for the defense to rally and come back ready for Friday.”
In addition, Gundy discussed the squad's depth at wide receiver.
“(D'Juan Woods) is having a good spring. He is pushing hard and making plays. I think there is competition at wide receiver with Ricky Price and Adarius Bowman. All of the wideouts know whoever takes the opportunity to make a play is the one that well will throw passes to.”
The Cowboys are scheduled to take the practice field again on Friday at 3 p.m.
Spring workouts will conclude on April 22 with a spring game that is slated to begin at 5 p.m.
