Note: The following appears in the Virginia Tech football digital gameday guide, available HERE.
Devarrick Woods' journey to becoming a Clemson Tiger has been anything but ordinary. From Hinds Community College to Texas State and now Clemson, each stop has shaped his perspective and appreciation for where he is today.
"I appreciate where I'm at because at Hinds, it was nothing compared to this, so I’m grateful for the position I am in."
When deciding on his next steps in his college career, Woods found that Clemson offered something beyond football.
"The people are genuine. Coach (Nick) Eason and Coach (Dabo) Swinney were so genuine on my visit, and I saw myself fitting in here."
Since arriving at Clemson, the defensive tackle has continued to build relationships with the coaches who initially drew him to the program. In particular, Eason has made a lasting impression on Woods, sharing knowledge from his own experiences playing defensive tackle in the NFL.
"I've got a lot of good advice. Coach Eason has taught me a lot in the time I've been here, because technique-wise, like playing defensive tackle, he's done it on that level. I appreciate all the advice he has given me and is still teaching me."
Woods has a great sense of humor, and when getting into the specifics of the defensive line and what led him to play defensive tackle specifically, he gave an honest answer.
"My size to start, but I love defensive tackle because it's physical. It's like everything starts in the trenches up front, so then everything depends on you.”
Woods saw the value in his physique but found the deeper responsibility and sacrifice he would commit himself to for his team.
Swinney once described Woods as "a quiet kid, but he plays loud." It is a description that Woods couldn't help but chuckle at.
"I agree. I am somewhat quiet. I don't overly talk when it's not necessary, but I do talk. Everybody says I don't talk, but I do. But I have to play loud on the flipside."
Woods earned his first start as a Tiger in the third game of the season against North Carolina, coached by the legendary Bill Belichick, in Death Valley.
"It was crazy. Playing at a community college, we don't see stuff like that. It amazed me going out there seeing all the fans, all the people and all the support.”
Despite the excitement of the moment, Woods said nerves were not what he felt when he stepped onto the field for the first play.
"I wouldn't say nerves…not when I got out there. I was excited seeing all the people, getting in the mode.”
His journey made him ready for this moment. All the work he has put in was worth it, and his excitement on the field helped the Tigers secure the come-from-behind victory.
Beyond the thrill of playing in Death Valley, Woods has found something just as meaningful in the relationships he has made with his teammates.
"I like this team because we are close. It's a real brotherhood. So hanging around, even practices and sitting in the locker room, it shows how close we are."
Personal connections seem to be a core value in his life, which has led to many influential people.
"My family, including my mom and grandma, have been important in my life because of all the sacrifices they made. It still motivates me every day and to this day.
“And as a player, I grew up a big Kobe Bryant fan. He motivates my mentality on how I attack sports.”
Growing up in Bossier City, La., Woods developed a strong connection to the people who supported him long before he became a Tiger. There was no surprise in his answer about bringing something from home to Clemson.
"All my people, my family, my friends…that’s where everyone is at."
Woods' journey has been shaped by much more than football alone. Through each opportunity, his appreciation for the people around him has remained constant. The family who raised him, the coaches who have guided him and the teammates he now calls brothers have all shaped him into a proud Clemson Tiger.