CONWAY -- When Greg Stewart was hired by Steve Campbell to be the University of Central Arkansas' defensive coordinator 10 months ago, he brought with him a plan to run a 3-4 scheme.
It was an easy decision for Stewart, a 25-year coaching veteran who realized long ago that it's easier to recruit 220-pound linebackers than it is to recruit 300-pound defensive linemen.
Today’s game
UCA vs. NW State
WHEN 6 p.m.
WHERE Estes Stadium, Conway
RECORDS Central Arkansas 4-4, 3-1 Southland Conference; Northwestern State 4-3, 2-1
RADIO KHLR-FM, 106.7, in Benton/Little Rock; KUCA-FM, 91.3, in Conway
INTERNET ucasports.com
"There's just more of them," he said.
Fitting players he didn't know that well into roles in his somewhat unfamiliar system proved a more difficult task.
Some of those came naturally. Bobby Watkins was always going to be in the secondary and Blake Childress was always going to be a linebacker.
The discussion was a bit more drawn out when it came to junior Jonathan Woodard.
"A guy like that can play anything," Stewart said.
Stewart said he and Campbell discussed moving Woodard, a 6-6, 271-pound preseason All-Southland first-team selection, from defensive end to weakside linebacker to utilize his size against the run and his athleticism in space. Stewart eventually decided to leave him at defensive end, where his main responsibility is to rush the passer.
The decision has paid off for the Bears (4-4, 3-1). Woodard's six sacks are tied for the most in the Southland Conference, and his 13 1/2 tackles for loss rank second.
His 21 career sacks are 12th among active FCS players and tied for fourth on the school's all-time list. He could move as high as second with a good finish to the season -- Mike Lovelady had 23 sacks in 1989-1990 -- and set his sights next season on the school's all-time sack record (30 by Carl Harris in 1981-1984).
Woodard said he doesn't know much about his records. He's just happy to be comfortable in the system after not being sure of his role when the Bears made the initial switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4.
"I wasn't sure if they were keeping me at end or putting me in the stand-up linebacker spot," Woodard said. "It all worked out for the best."
Woodard said he doesn't think switching to linebacker would have been difficult, but he's happy at end. If anything, playing defensive end in the 3-4 makes it easier to rush the passer. He had coverage responsibilities as an end in the 4-3. Now the extra linebacker on the field covers a tight end or a running back in the flat.
Woodard said he got off to a slow start after missing most of fall camp because of a strained hamstring. He had his first unassisted sack in the third game against Montana State and broke out against Stephen F. Austin with 3 1/2 sacks in a 49-39 victory.
It was in that game that Woodard showed the ability Campbell noticed on film when he arrived almost a year ago.
"He's very strong for a guy with that length," Campbell said. "Hes' got great upper-body strength and quickness. He can jerk those offensive linemen around and use his leverage well and turn the corner on guys. A lot of times, guys with that length are a little stiff, but he's got some hips and some explosion."
Woodard, whose only other option coming out of Brentwood, Tenn., was an offer from Cornell, has moved inside some this year and taken on opposing guards, but like he showed against Stephen F. Austin he's utilized best when he can take on an offensive tackle 1-on-1.
That's likely where he'll be most of the time over the final four regular-season games as the Bears try to reach the FCS playoffs. If UCA gets there, it'll be partly because of Woodard playing defensive end, not outside linebacker.
"We came so close, but we saw how good he was being 1-on-1 with tackles and rushing the passer," Stewart said. "I think he'll be an NFL guy. Somebody is going to give him a chance.
"I mean, 6-6, they don't just grow them on trees."
Sports on 10/25/2014