Darren Woodson - College

College

According to a January 23, 1996, article in the New York Times, because Woodson failed to meet NCAA academic qualifications for a scholarship, he walked on at Arizona State University. According to the article, "Woodson built a reputation as a ferocious hitter with a keen eye for football ."

An undersized linebacker who wore #6 in college, Woodson was coached by ASU linebackers coach Lovie Smith, who would go on to serve as head coach of the Chicago Bears.

As a sophomore in 1989, he was voted the team's "Most Improved" player, after leading it in total tackles (122) and tackles for loss (5), including a 16 tackle game against Stanford University.

During his senior year, he showed his great athleticism by lining up during 2 games as a defensive end and playing on several occasions as an inside linebacker. Woodson finished his college career with 803 tackles and was invited to play on the Blue–Gray Football Classic.

A three-year starter at outside linebacker for the Sun Devils, Woodson earned honorable mention All-Pac 10 honors in 1989 and 1990, honorable mention All-America as a junior and All-Pac 10 second team as a senior. He served as team captain as a senior in 1991 and earned a degree in criminal justice.

In 2005 he was inducted into the Arizona State University Hall of Fame.

In 2009 he was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

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