Michigan State lands commitment from Arizona State CB Ed Woods

Michigan State has landed a commitment from Arizona State cornerback Ed Woods, On3 has learned.

After taking visits to Alabama and Michigan State over the weekend, he’s decided on the Spartans. Woods had a previous connection with some members of the coaching staff and had heard strong reviews of cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin, who is better known by players as “Coach Meat.”

“I’m going to be honest, I like Michigan State because of the relationships I have with most of these coaches,” Woods said. “I feel like I’m at home. They understand where I come from, and Coach Meat is one of the best in the nation.”

The cornerback grew up in Oakland, the same hometown as NFL cornerback Marcus Peters, who was recruited to Washington as a high school prospect by Martin. That’s something Ed Woods is keeping in mind as he evaluates his decision.

“He helped my friend Marcus Peters take his game to next level,” the Arizona State transfer said.

A two-year starter for the Sun Devils, he’s tallied 66 career tackles and three forced fumbles. Woods visited Alabama over the weekend, too.arriving in Tuscaloosa on Friday and staying through Sunday. The Crimson Tide’s cornerback room is filled with young talent headlined by Zabien Brown, Jahlil Hurley and Red Morgan.

His decision to commit to Michigan State addresses a position of need. The Spartans lost cornerbacks Sean Brown, Eddie Pleasant and Marqui Lowery Jr since the spring portal window opened earlier this month.

What is the transfer portal?

The spring transfer portal window is just 15 days, a crammed period that could reshape the 2024 college football offseason. The portal tool was launched in 2018 to allow athletes to be more involved in the process of transferring. Athletes must notify institutions of their intent to transfer. Each school’s compliance team has 48 hours to put a name into the portal. 

After an athlete is officially in the portal, there is no rush on making a decision as long as they are properly enrolled at a new institution in time for fall camp. Commitments do not have to be made during the 15-day window. Grad transfers are allowed to enter the portal at any time. 

Roster retention has been crucial for programs, with NIL playing a vital role in keeping rosters together in the new age of college football. Exactly 645 FBS players transferred in last year’s spring window. In one week of the 2024 spring transfer portal, 497 FBS scholarship players have entered.