ALL - AROUND THREAT

Explosive playmaker can be seen in all facets of the game

With an extensive set of skills on the football field and a mindset to stay positive and help his team to the fullest, senior Josiah Woodard does it all for the Russellville Cyclones.

This determination and versatility paid off for Woodard and Russellville as he helped lead the Cyclones, alongside a host of talented seniors, to its first state title. Russellville finished the 2016 season with an overall record of 12-1 and the 6A state championship.

Woodard finished the 2016 season with 1,334 all-purpose yards from 133 interception return yards, 126 punt return yards, 331 kick return yards, 79 receiving yards and 665 yards rushing. Woodard scored nine touchdowns rushing, one receiving, two on interception returns and one kickoff return for a total of 13 touchdowns.

For all these accomplishments, Woodard has been named the 2017 River Valley &

Ozark Edition Player to Watch. Woodard said last season was rewarding. “Last year was an amazing year,” he said. “Then, even contributing to help my city and school win is the best feeling a high school athlete could dream of.”

He said his success last year pleased him, but he could not take all the credit.

“Having a great season with my stats last year felt good. My D-line helped me a lot on some plays rushing the QB. This year, I just have to do the best I can and keep my head up,” he said.

Playing running back, slot receiver and free safety, while also returning kickoffs and punts, allows Woodard to have a positive effect for his team in all facets of the game. He said this was important last year and that he will have to step up even more this season.

“It was important that I was an all-around threat because I could hurt the other team in other areas and not just offensively,” he said. “I knew that my senior year, I would have to step up and be a leader. Not only me — also a key team player is Ryan Talley, who is already a leader, and many people on our team look up to him.”

First-year head coach Jeff Weaver had nothing but positive things to say about Woodard.

“Josiah is very talented and is easily our fastest player. We will move him all over the field on offense and get him touches in many different ways. Defensively, he will play safety, and we expect him to be a force versus both the run and the pass,” Weaver said. “We will also use Josiah as a kick and punt returner, where he is very explosive.”

Weaver added that Woodard’s skill set is diverse.

“Josiah has a unique blend of speed, athleticism and instincts. He makes tackles at the line of scrimmage and interceptions 30 yards downfield. On offense and returning kicks, he has great vision to go with his speed,” the coach said.

Weaver described Woodard as being laid-back, but a hard worker on the field. He said Woodard is not naturally an outspoken leader but that he understands he needs to help lead this year’s team and is becoming more assertive.

Woodard said he has not made a decision as to which college he will attend but will follow his heart.

“My overall dream for football is letting God take me to whatever college he wants me to go to and get my education,” Woodard said.

He added that his father has played a large role in his life and has helped him achieve what he has thus far.

“My biggest influence is my father. He always pushed me to my full potential, and he gives me the best advice, even if it’s tough sometimes,” Woodard said.

God, his friends and his family have given him the support to reach this level of talent on the football field and he said that he will be forever grateful for them.

Despite the Cyclones losing many of its top contributing seniors from last year’s team, Woodard still has high hopes.

“My expectations for my team this year is to win state, adapt to the new coaching staff and trust the system,” he said.

While Russellville will have a lot of changes in personnel, look for coaches to find a way to get Woodard the ball to make big plays. The explosive playmaker will be a two-way player, getting plenty of reps on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, while also being the team’s primary kickoff and punt returner.

Fans can get some excitement as they watch every time this human highlight reel takes the field.