http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/articles/show/2886-woodhead-s-stronger-for-his-year-away It's been a while since we've heard much about Danny Woodhead. Here's the short version of the story of the small-college superstar running back's first NFL season: He got hurt the second day of training camp. He rehabbed the entire season. He attended meetings. He learned about the NFL. He won a little-known team award. And now he's ba-a-ack. "I feel great, I really do. I'm doing everything that everyone else is," Woodhead told newyorkjets.com today. "I'm excited to play football. That's what I'm here for. I'm not here to hang out in the training room. So I'm very excited to be back." Woodhead was the most celebrated undrafted free agent signing in the hours after the 2008 draft. The Chadron State back, the leading rusher in NCAA history (7,962 yards) and two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner as the top player in Division II, was shown on the phone with then-head coach Eric Mangini after the draft concluded. He joined the Jets and worked hard alongside his fellow members of the Class of '08 all off-season and into camp. Then on the second day of full-squad practices, he suffered a knee injury. "Right when it happened, it didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would," he recalled, but added with a laugh, "I had a good feeling that it wasn't positive." Thus began the rehab portion of Woodhead's first NFL season. But being a glass-half-full guy, he wasn't about to cry over spilt milk. "That was the first time I've ever had to experience that," he said. "It was kind of uncharted territory. It was tough, but I think it made me appreciate things a lot more. It gave me a chance to learn and realize kind of what the NFL is about. "That's what happens in football, and you've got to roll with it and make the best out of it instead of making the worst out of it." So Woodhead learned all he could of coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's scheme and terminology, soaked in everything from the offensive and special teams meetings he attended. Along the way, he impressed one group of people in the organization: equipment director Gus Granneman's staff. The equipment room is responsible with awarding the Hampton Award each year. The honor, named after longtime Jets equipment man Bill Hampton, goes to the rookie "who acts most like a pro in the locker room," who's friendly, courteous and neat. The "Eq" guys, along with all the past winners still on the roster, vote (? la the Heisman Trophy balloting) for each year's "Hamp" winner. This year Woodhead was the fifth Hamp winner. His No. 35 jersey hangs to this day in the equipment room to recognize his achievement. "It was something I didn't expect," he said. "I'm a person that's just going to go about my business every day and do what I'm supposed to. If something like that comes along, it's definitely an honor and it's great to receive that award." Here are the five Hampton Award winners and how they've fared as pros: Year Player How He's Fared 2004 S Erik Coleman 6th-season pro, now with ATL 2005 K Mike Nugent 5th-season pro, just signed with TB 2006 WR Brad Smith 4th season with Jets 2007 CB Darrelle Revis 3rd-season pro coming off first Pro Bowl 2008 RB Danny Woodhead 2nd season with Jets As tough as it's been spending a year away from the game he loves, it hasn't diminished his drive. He has absorbed the daily and weekly routine of being a pro, and he's pumped about the new leadership of head coach Rex Ryan and RBs coach Anthony Lynn combined with the continuity with Schottenheimer as the OC. And with the Jets' off-season strength program ready to begin in a week, he's as fired up as his legion of followers in Nebraska, the Midwest and all around NCAA Nation have known him to be. "That's good, that's good," he said about the fans who check in weekly on newyorkjets.com for any scrap of info him. "I'm looking to be back not just the same. I want to be better than last year. The injury isn't something that worries me at all. I'll have had a whole year with Sal [Alosi, strength and conditioning coach] and I believe that's helped me quite a bit, and I still have another off-season. "So I'm not looking just to be the same or close to the same. I'm looking to be better."
He's a lil guy but given the chance i think he can shock everyone. Sometimes you dont have to look like a football player to be a good one.
This guy screams Wayne Chrebet clone to me. The guy with "no real chance" not because he can't play, but because he isnt the right size. while I totally agree, i think he could be a phenomenal third down back in a year or two, this year his #1 shot to make the roster is in one of two spots, either the Practice Squad or as a punt returner. Im rooting for him to get the third rb spot, and PR job.
I had completely forgotten about this guy until I saw the article on the team site... I look forward to seeing him in action. I like the Chrebet comparison above. Some guys can overcome the odds with heart and ability, even when the expectation of the "experts" say otherwise. Ya never know...
For once I want one of these stories to become true. I was too young for Chrebet. What if Leon and Woodhead turned out to be the most exciting pair of fast backs in the league that could not be stopped by any defense when put together.
Yes! I'm not sure exactly where he'd fit in for the Jets but I'd love to see him back on the team, perhaps taking over PR if we want to save Leonhard for defense. Just imagine the offensive implications; having Woodhead and Leon on the field at the same time. If Ryan takes the cuffs off of Schottenheimer and he goes back to his 2007 form than this offense could be sick if he can utilize Woodhead.
In a league full of underachieving superstars we should really give this kid every benefit of the doubt, I dont know if he will make the team in the end but I think he has skills that could translate in the NFL, he is a small fast quick change of direction guy who would be a perfect return guy or possible someone we could put at the slot on passing downs to work the middle of the field. Who knows but lets give him a real shot his desire and work ethic is great and he must have been doing something right to be the all time leading rusher in College (no matter what division he was in)
Has anyone seem him play anywhere? Wasn't Ian Smart this same guy a few years earlier? LOL, there was a post here that said "I was too young for Chrebet" wow. Can you imagine? I am becoming an old aging bastard. Too young for Chrebet! That's great news. I wish I was his age, then I'd be too young for Kotite! Sorry, I don't remember the nose-picking, I was "too young" for Joe Walnuts! hahaha. Back to Woodhead - this is exactly the kind of story we all love. Sure hope it happens. I remember the stories about him last year and had no idea he stuck around the rest of the year to learn and impress the equipment managers. Hope he impresses Westhoff next, followed by Schott.
Man, whenever I see an article from the official site, I am reminded of the way the North Korean information minister begins most of his addresses... The Great and Fearless Kim Jong Il, the Glorious and Generous Leader, declares... It just has that feel about it. Not that I expect them to stop doing puff pieces, that's just how I come away from it feeling. They did a Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man-sized puff piece on Andre Wadsworth a couple of years ago.
we already have a scatback/ returner in Leon, we dont need woodhead, we need a powerback to take over for Thomas Jones aka Shonn Greene
