Tennessee football boasts a newfound depth in the secondary, and that has already been seen in spring practice. Regardless, the Vols are still hitting the 2024 class hard.
Another prospect Tennessee has locked in on is 2024 Mississippi athlete P.J. Woodland. The four-star received an offer from the Vols on February 23.
“My reaction towards the Tennessee offer was like, ‘Thank you God for another blessing,’” Woodland told Off The Hook Sports. “I’m forever grateful for an opportunity to play for a division one school so that was great.”
Woodland, who attends Oak Grove in Hattiesburg, Miss., has a couple of crystal balls predicting he will go to Mississippi State. The No. 13 prospect from the state, Woodland will have his choice of school.
“All of the recent attention towards me means that I have to work even harder, and take nothing for granted,” he said. “Also, push myself and my teammates to the fullest.”
Listed as an athlete, and the No. 35 athlete in his class, Tennessee’s staff told him he will likely fit in on the defensive side of the ball as a Vol.
Running backs coach Jerry Mack extended Woodland his scholarship offer. Mack informed him that himself, defensive coordinator Tim Banks and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez were all impressed by him.
“I see myself being a playmaker, a ball hawk and also a defensive leader on the field,” Woodland added.
The 6’0″ 165-pound prospect is still early on in his relationship with Tennessee’s staff. Although he hasn’t had the chance to build a close bond yet, he expressed excitement about the opportunity to get to learn more about Tennessee football.
“Tennessee, they’re a winning organization, and who doesn’t love to win,” Woodland said. “So, if you’re surrounding yourself with a winning team, coaching staff, and players, I think that’s extremely good.”
Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, has gained a reputation for its offense. On the other hand, the defense has struggled. The Vols’ uptempo offense also makes it difficult on the defense.
Woodland is used to playing with little rest time as his high school runs an uptempo offense as well.
“We’re pretty quick on the offensive side as well,” he said. “I’ll be pretty prepared going on & off the field.”
Woodland doesn’t have his schedule for offseason visits set yet, but he knows what he wants in his future school.
“I’m looking for another home. I’m trying to find a place where I can develop as a person and as an athlete on and off the field,” Woodland said. “A hardworking team, with a successful program.”
