2023 Thompson lineman Peter Woods dominates in Alabama 7A state championship game

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - There are prospects that go hard most of the time, and then there are players that just get after it play after play after play. The latter represents Peter Woods, the 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive lineman from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala.

Playing in Wednesday night’s AHSAA 7A state title game against Centra-Phenix City, Woods moved around from one technique to five technique to three technique - and it all resulted in the same thing.

He came off the snap of the football hard, he was overpowering, and his hand usage allowed him to disengage from blocks more like a player in the range of 225 pounds.

He didn't always make the play, but Woods just kept coming back for more. He was relentless, and it helped Thompson shut out Central in the first half and go into the locker room up 24-0 before eventually winning 38-22.

One of, if not his best move, is the hand swipe and rip. He gets to the edge of a blocker and uses that upward rip motion, and he’s just so strong that most high school offensive linemen are not able to stay in front of Woods. On the video highlight below, Woods did not even need to use the rip move - he just used his quickness off the snap of the football and a quick hand swipe.

Another move he’s good at is the old school bull rush - two hands to the chest plate, extend his arms, then look for the ball carrier and attack. Without question, Woods could be a two-gap player in a 3-4 scheme in college

Woods also does an excellent job of holding the edge on the line of scrimmage. Despite his size, mind you, he’s quite capable of being an edge rusher. Quick feet, good change of direction, and he consistently extends his arms and locks out the offensive tackle. At that point, his natural power took over during several plays and he walked the offensive tackle backwards before making a counter move.

All of the talent that Woods possesses represents the reasons he has offers from schools like Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, Georgia, Kentucky and LSU.

Now the only question will be defining which specific position(s) or role(s) he will play. He’s so versatile, and he’s still not done filling out, it’s difficult to project what exactly he has in store for the college level. Remember, Woods still has another year of high school football before heading off to the college ranks. And he's only going to get better.