Both the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan State Spartans have made coaching changes as they prepare for the 2024 college football season. Kalen DeBoer, the former head coach of the Washington Huskies, has taken over the helm from the legendary Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Meanwhile, Jonathan Smith, the former head coach of the Oregon State Beavers, has assumed the role previously held by Mel Tucker in East Lansing, Michigan.
Interestingly, DeBoer and Smith were in direct competition for the transfer of Ed Woods, a cornerback who had spent two years playing for Arizona State. Ultimately, Woods decided to join the Spartans instead of the Crimson Tide. In an interview with On3, Woods expressed his preference for Michigan State, citing the strong relationships he had developed with the coaches. He felt a sense of familiarity and belonging with the program, particularly highlighting his connection with Coach Demetrice Martin, whom he regarded as one of the nation’s top coaches.
Woods, despite not being considered a highly regarded recruit, was ranked as the No. 88 cornerback, No. 87 player in California, and No. 965 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to On3’s Industry Rankings.
During his time with the Sun Devils, the former three-star recruit made a notable impact, recording 66 tackles and forcing three fumbles. Now, with one year of eligibility remaining, Woods has decided to transfer to the Spartans, where he will continue his collegiate football journey.
