The EDGE position for the Florida Gators is one of the more "mystery box" groups on the roster. On paper, Florida returns four guys who all have sky-high potential, with Tyreak Sapp leading the way as a potential first-round pick if he has a monster 2025 campaign.
But one of the beauties of fall camp is the stories that start to leak out about unknown guys turning heads. And Florida is hoping one of its late flips from the class of 2025 lives up to his billing, he was just anointed.
Jayden Woods is a "freak" and a "unicorn"
Jayden Woods is a true freshman EDGE from Kansas. He was originally committed to Penn State, but the Gators pulled off a late flip to get him to Gainesville.
When he flipped to Florida, we said at the time:
"He is a consensus four-star with 247 having him as high as 75th overall and ESPN having him the lowest at 252nd. On film, he comes across as a rangy EDGE with speed to burn even though he is 240 pounds. He is not afraid to travel long distances to get the QB, but he also has the integrity to hold the edge, something some past EDGE rushers have struggled to do.
He also boasts a throw in the discus of over 170 feet and a mark in shot put over 50 feet, both of which are excellent marks for anyone."
While he may not have been on the radar of fans nationally, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic took notice. Feldman puts out his annual "Freaks List" on Monday, which highlights "the strongest, fastest and most physical players in college football," and Woods was on the list along with Jadan Baugh.
At his press conference on Monday, Billy Napier was asked about the inclusion of Woods on the list:
"A unicorn, man, they don't make them like that. Just incredible upbringing, can't say enough about his family, his grandma, his dad, his grandpa. Just phenomenal. Just a different level of focus and maturity. Came from a well-coached high school team, the detail, the technique he played with on the edge, but also on the second level as a stack-backer. His mindset's different. He's got a bright future in front of him."
Woods has had his name pop up in camp multiple times, and while we all know there are camp heroes who are never heard from again (paging Joey Slackman), there is real hope that Woods can challenge for snaps in 2025.
And if he can come out and have a solid freshman campaign, Florida will have gotten a steal with their late flip from last year.