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Notre Dame Football Recruiting

'21 CO DE Brayden Wood Hoping For Notre Dame Stop

May 9, 2018
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It’s been a few years since Notre Dame has been to Fairview High School (Colo.) but the Irish are expected to stop by in the next few weeks to check on 2021 defensive end Brayden Wood‍.

“One of my coaches said they should be in soon because we have a mini-camp going on in the mornings,” Wood told Irish Sports Daily. “I’m pretty sure he said Notre Dame would be coming in this week or next week.” 

Notre Dame has extended two offers in the 2021 class already, so it’s not a huge surprise they are doing due diligence on 2021 prospects this month. If the Irish make a stop at Fairview, the chance to workout in front of the coaching staff would only lit a bigger fire under Wood. 

“Notre Dame is one of my top schools because of the academics and football,” stated Wood. “They have a great fan base as well. It’d be crazy if they came out.” 

Wood is no stranger to offers as Colorado State, Syracuse and Texas Tech have already offered following his freshman season. 

The Fairview star admits the offers have added a little extra pressure to his offseason. 

“It’s great, but it also gives me a little chip on my shoulder,” explained Wood. “It has put me on a lot of watch lists and stuff. Getting early offers doesn’t really happen out here in Colorado. I know people are watching me and trying to come after me. 

“I use it as motivation to get better in the offseason and my workouts.” 

Wood has also seen his teammates and coaches start to view him as a leader even though he will only be a sophomore this fall. 

“I have felt pressure, especially in the weight room,” said Wood. “I’m considered the leader of the team and doing that at such a young age puts a little bit of pressure on me. My coach and I had a good talk about how I can transition through this.”

The offseason has also allowed Wood to take a step back and evaluate his game to improve strengths and work on weaknesses in his game. 

“My strength is getting off the ball and knowing what the guy is doing in front of me,” Wood said. “I know the plays, and I can read the offensive line. If the offensive lineman is a little heavy, it probably will be a run, or if he’s a little off balance, it’s going to be a pass or a pull. 

“I played a lot of defensive tackle this year, and I did a lot of work against double teams and getting off double teams. I’m getting better at changing direction. We played a lot of teams that used the short pass game and short routes. I want to turn and run when the ball is thrown. 

“You always have to get bigger, faster and stronger too.” 

The early attention has also allowed Wood to get out and take some early visits this spring. 

“I visited Stanford and USC in early March when I was out there for camps,” Wood stated. “I made sure to stop by the closest school to the camps. I’ve been to Washington when my 7-on-7 team went out there. I got to see the campus and talk with the defensive line coach. 

“I also visited Colorado State. I’m visiting Colorado in the next couple weeks.” 

A decision won’t be made for years in Wood’s case, but he’s already making sure he takes in everything he can on his visits. 

“My brother was one of the top pitchers coming out of Colorado,” Wood explained. “My dad and I talked about it. I want to pick a school that feels like home. If you pick a school far away from home, you want it to feel like home, so you don’t get homesick. 

“I also want to pick a coaching staff that wants me for me and not just because of my athleticism. I want to make sure they enjoy me as a person. I’m also looking for a school with good academics so I can be set for life after football.” 

Notre Dame has invited Wood out for positional camp in June, and the opportunity is one he is definitely considering. 

“We contacted the defensive line coach, and when he comes out to my school, I’ll get more information about it,” said Wood. “I’m only going to pick two college camps to go to this summer. 

“I sat down with one of our former players, Carlo Kemp, who plays at Michigan to see what he did after his freshman year. He didn’t go to many college camps, but he worked on his craft and technique. After his sophomore season, he really got into the Under Armour, The Opening and college camps. 

“I’m keeping the Notre Dame camp in mind, especially with getting an invite already. It’s one of the top camps for me this summer.” 

 
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