E.J. Woods, the 6-foot-1, 192-pound four-star safety from Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, Calif., took an official visit to Colorado last weekend (Dec. 15) and says his commitment status with UCLA is "wide open".
That contradicts his next statement. "I'm still committed to UCLA," Woods said. He then explains, "I haven't decommitted, but I opened up recruiting again."
So where exactly does Woods stand? "Well, I haven't really told the UCLA coaches anything," he said. "I talked with (wide receiver) coach Eric Scott about a week ago, but we didn't talk about my commitment or anything. I'm not even sure if they know I went to Colorado. I haven't told them anything."
Woods, Scout.com's No. 8 safety nationwide, admits that it's UCLA's coaching situation that has caused him to rethink his commitment. "I'd really like to see (interim head coach) DeWayne Walker get the head coaching job," he said. "He's the reason all the recruits are there and the reason defensive players want to go there. If he stays, I think everyone will stay.
"He changed the program around," Woods continues on about coach Walker. "They beat USC last year because of their defense. He's had a great career in creating amazing defensive players and has coached some of the best."
Woods says it's now between UCLA, Washington and Colorado. "I can't really say I have a favorite right now," he flatly stated.
He visited the Huskies on Oct. 19 and the Buffs on Dec. 15. "I loved my trip to Colorado," he said. "I love the brotherhood they have there. It was finals week so there weren't any parties or anything, but the players all still hung out and studied together. That was really cool.
"It snowed too, but it wasn't too cold," he said. "Weather isn't a problem for me. I just loved the whole experience (at Colorado)."
Woods also admires the Buffs' schedule. "They've got like the toughest schedule next year," he said. "They play West Virginia, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Florida State and aren't afraid to take on the powerhouse teams."
Expect a final decision from Woods in early January. "I'm gonna wait until Jan. 8," he said. "That's when I plan to know for sure and announce. I'm not gonna have a press conference or anything. That's not my style. I'll just call the coaches and tell them.
"There's nothing specific about that date though," he said. "I just figured that would give me enough time to figure things out and make a final decision."
Woods reports a 2.6 core GPA and a 1400 SAT.