Dynamite Dozen: Woods seeing hard work pay off

Ashton Woods is a dynamic player who has a knack for making a huge impact on football games.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Walton linebacker has improved each year, and he is making a name for himself as one of the best at his position in the class of 2024.

The all-region linebacker finished the 2021 season with 105 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three interceptions and three sacks. He is a three-star prospect and holds numerous collegiate offers, including Kansas State, Tennessee, North Carolina and Nebraska.

Woods is looking to establish his own path to success along his older half-brothers, Daron, Zack and Dominick Blaylock. Daron and Zack signed with Kentucky after their own standout careers at Walton, while Dominick is entering his junior season as a receiver at Georgia.

“I work hard, and it’s an honor to get recognition and achievements, and see what I have worked so hard for pay off,” Woods said.

With the gift for filling the hole and pursuing the ball-carrier, Woods models his game after a former All-Pro linebacker.

“I like to model my game after Luke Kuechly,” Woods said. “Similar to him, I’m not the fastest linebacker or the most athletic linebacker, but I know where the play’s going to go. I’m there mentally. I watch film. I just know what to do, where to line up with teammates.”

Kuechly spent eight seasons playing for the Carolina Panthers, where he was known to be addicted to watching film on his upcoming opponents.

“Kuechly is my favorite player because he was a film junkie,” Woods said. “He knows where to line up and where his teammates line up to make the play. That’s all I like to do.”

When it is game time and the offense breaks the huddle, Woods said that he looks at where the receivers line up and what formation the offense is in. He also spots whether the linemen are leaning or have a light stance, which determines whether they are pulling on the play.

With his 6-4 frame, Woods is also utilized in the Walton offense at halfback, and unlike many defensive players, takes great pride in blocking.

“I love blocking because it’s a lot of fun,” Woods said. “I don’t care about catching touchdowns. I want to go in there and help out the team, but I can always go in there and take on the big guys. Playing at linebacker helps me be able to see where opposing linebackers are going to go when I am on offense.”

Walton’s loss in last year’s Class AAAAAAA state semifinals has Woods fired up for the upcoming season, as there is only one goal on his mind.

“Get that state championship. That’s the goal,” he said.