Auburn LB Robert Woodyard 'really coming on' according to Josh Aldridge

AUBURN – When it comes to the linebacker rotation, Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts and linebacker coach Josh Aldridge have the same philosophy: Multiple guys will play at inside linebacker.

The current Auburn linebacker room has some veterans, even those who have transferred in. Young players are at a disadvantage because of that. However, redshirt freshman Robert Woodyard has shown a fearless attitude and might win some reps in his second season as a Tiger.

“I think there was a stretch there when I thought Robert Woodyard was really coming on,” Aldridge said. “He’s still coming on, don’t get me wrong, but if you had asked me five days ago he would have been one that would’ve stood out to me being a young guy that’s trying to play.”

Aldridge was sure to say that there’s still a ways to go with Woodyard, however. Once again, Aldridge and Roberts want their linebackers to be vocal leaders as well as leading by example. Woodyard will need to add that to his repertoire moving forward.

“He’s the type that, he’s playing really well, but for him to be a Mike linebacker in this league he has to pick it up from a vocal standpoint. That comes with time when you’re a young guy,” Aldridge said.

Earning praise from teammates

If there is a vocal leader in the room, Aldridge says veteran Cam Riley has taken that approach. Riley has noticed Woodyard while trying to win the majority of reps himself.

“He looks like a whole new guy,” Riley said about Woodyard. “From a couple months ago during the season, when he played scout team—he was the scout team defensive player of the year.”

Players notice the guys who give it everything they have when on the scout team: it makes them better. Riley knew the effort was there year ago. Now, the physical side of things is standing out.

“If you see him now, he looks like a whole new person,” Riley said. “He’s a physical guy, always around the ball, and has a knack for it. He wants to make every play. He takes the time to learn the defense and he’s a new guy out there, man I can’t believe it.”

Aldridge loves Woodyard’s skillset

Aldridge has seen an uptick in Woodyard’s physical ability. He knows that Woodyard is young and needed to get his body to a certain point after an injury. Woodyard, though, has been a bright spot for Aldridge when assessing talent in the linebacker room.

“He’s a really athletic Mike (linebacker),” Aldridge said. “He is really light on his feet, I love his change-of-direction. I wasn’t here when this was going on, but he was a kid that had to lose weight when he first got here because he got hurt late in his senior year I think. So he had to lose some weight and you can tell he is light on his feet.”

Looking back on high school assessment

When Woodyard flipped his commitment from Alabama to Auburn, I wrote that he was an instinctual player who always kept his cool.

“There is something to be said about a guy who never looks nervous. That attitude carries a long way. He never loses his eyes while fighting through traffic. He then finds the ball carrier and knows exactly what to do to get the ball out. Stripping the ball is an art that isn’t easily taught. Woodyard is one of those guys who just gets it.“

Aldridge on Tuesday noted that he has seen similar things from Woodyard. He loves that Woodyard is fearless and is not afraid to take on his role.

“It’s really nice to see a young kid use some instincts too,” Aldridge said. “He’s got some natural stuff to him. I really like how he is unafraid to jump in there. You wouldn’t think he’s a 19, 20 year old guy with how he is practicing right now. It’s nice that you have some seasoned guys in there with him, so I think he sees them and how they practice and that helps him a lot. He ain’t afraid of nobody, now. I’m really impressed with him.”