Illinois DL Jamal Woods makes decision on 2021 season
Securing the commitment of 2021 Enterprise, Alabama three-star running back Joshua McCray and adding North Carolina State Wolfpack transfer linebacker Calvin “C.J.” Hart, Jr., Tuesday has been a productive day for new Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema and his staff.
Shortly before 1:30 p.m. ET, the program received more good news, as defensive tackle Jamal Woods announced he will return for his redshirt senior season in 2021, sharing the development on his Twitter account.
My clock is still ticking, I have no time to stop now 🧡💙 LET’S WORK @BretBielema @IlliniFootball 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/WwYJJ332rs
— Jamal Woods (@jamal4425) January 5, 2021
A 247Sports Composite three-star prospect out of Hueytown (Alabama) High School in 2017, Woods has totaled 55 tackles (13.5 for loss), 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble during his Illini career.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds, Woods’ returning presence will go a long way toward Illinois improving on their 230.1 rushing yards per game allowed in 2020, a mark that ranked 117th among Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs.