Jayden Woods has learned that playing with relentless energy can be both an advantage and a challenge. After Florida's first loss of the season, the sophomore edge rusher is working to find the balance between aggression and discipline.
Woods acknowledged that his excitement early in games can sometimes interfere with his pass-rush plan, an issue defensive coordinator Brad White identified following the Gators' 45-17 loss at Missouri. While Woods wants to improve his approach, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining the intensity that has helped him become a contributor on Florida's defensive front.
Woods also discussed the renewed emphasis on aggressive defensive play, the team's unity through adversity and the challenges of defending
South Carolina's rushing attack. He addressed the need to finish games more consistently and explained why his personal preparation will remain unchanged despite the disappointing result.
Here's everything Woods had to say.
Was the Missouri loss especially difficult because it was a homecoming game?
Yeah, for sure. I think for all of us as players, it hurts just because we put so much time and effort into it. We're out there playing and stuff, too.
But all the external stuff aside, it would've hurt the same just because I hate losing.
Has Brad White emphasized a more aggressive mentality this week?
Yeah, he said it. And then I think the way that we're practicing now, for sure, it's definitely a hunt mentality.
How does Florida shift mindset?
Yeah, I think it's just intentionality. Being so intentional about the little things, about flipping the hunted to the hunter type of thing.
How has Brad White's increased intensity affected practices?
Yeah, I mean, it needed to, for sure. I think increasing the intensity will translate good things to good things for us on Saturday.
How different has White's approach been compared with the start of the season?
Yeah, I'd say his intensity and his energy have gone up a ton this week, for sure.
How does Woods evaluate his own performance after a difficult loss?
Yeah, I think my process is the same no matter the outcome of the game. Even when I had a good game in the beginning of the season, it was the same thing for me.
I would reset, go back to the drawing board and just focus on what I could do best this week. And it's the exact same thing this week, so my process will be the exact same.
How can Woods maintain his pass-rush plan when his excitement takes over early in games?
Yeah, I think that could be a pregame process thing. Maybe settling down a little bit because, of course, I'm excited to play the game, for sure.
So calming down a little bit before, I think, will probably help, for sure.
Is controlling that excitement part of the learning curve for a young player?
Oh yeah, I mean, I assume so, for sure. I think I have a lot of things to learn and to grow, for sure. So I'm just looking forward to taking it all in stride at the same time.
How can Woods use his energy to his advantage?
Yeah, I think it's better to have to be pulled back a little bit than having to be pushed forward.
So I would definitely like to stay on this side, but I definitely want to learn how to calm down a little bit, for sure.
What stands out about South Carolina's running game?
Yeah, I think the quarterback and the running back are both threats in that area, for sure. So I think it'll be a great challenge for us as a defense.
How does Florida prepare to defend LaNorris Sellers after facing another mobile quarterback?
Yeah, it definitely helps because he was a great runner as well. So I think rushing smart but not scared will be key for us in the pass.
And then the run, it'll be great tackling, all 11 hats to the ball.
How did Florida's reaction to the Missouri loss compare with last season?
Yeah, I think one thing that I noticed the most this last game was that we all stayed together, especially at halftime when we were down. That's where I noticed it the most.
I think (Kam) James was probably the most vocal in the locker room for us. We all stuck together. And then even after the game and even this whole week of practice, there isn't the guys turning on each other, pointing fingers. We're all sticking together.
How do explosive plays affect the defense's confidence and momentum?
Yeah, I think it gives the crowd momentum, and the team momentum is key in a football game. So when it swings their way, it's kind of hard to battle back.
How does Woods assess Florida's run defense against Missouri?
I think we did solid. I think we just have to be able to do that for a whole game, though, and not just the first half.
So I think finishing and completing a full game is key for us as a defense.
How can Florida avoid late-game mistakes when fatigue becomes a factor?
Yeah, I think just tightening everything up. I think that's where it goes back to practicing with intentionality and intensity, for sure.
So Saturdays are just easy.
What message has Woods shared with his teammates as a young leader?
Yeah, I'd say just stick together. One loss doesn't define you. One win doesn't define you.
So just sticking together and going back to work, that's all it's been.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Jayden Woods working to balance energy, discipline in pass rush
