More Than a Career: Cedric Woods Leaves a Lasting Mark at Louisiana Tech
Six years.
57 games.
More than 3,000 snaps.
Two head coaches. Four defensive coordinators. Five position coaches.
Through every change, every challenge, and every opportunity to leave, Cedric Woods stayed.
The Monroe, Louisiana native arrived in Ruston with one goal: to cement a legacy at Louisiana Tech. In an era defined by NIL deals and the transfer portal, Woods chose a different path—building something lasting just 30 minutes from home.
“It has meant the world to me to be able to live out my dream so close to home,” Woods told BleedTechBlue.com. “I think about all the kids in my neighborhood who feel like making it to the Division I level is almost impossible. I wanted to show them that they, too, have a chance if they’re willing to work hard. I’m grateful to know I was able to pave the way and provide a blueprint for how to do it.”
Woods will suit up one final time on December 30, when Louisiana Tech faces Coastal Carolina in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. It will be his 58th career appearance—and his 56th career start—marking the fourth-most games played by any Bulldog in program history.
His journey began as a true freshman in 2020, starting in a dramatic 31–30 win over Southern Miss. It will end just a few miles from campus at Independence Stadium, with a 2025 Tech team Woods holds especially close.
“The thing I’m most proud of is the 2025 season,” Woods said. “This year and this team were unlike any other. I’ve never been closer to a group of men the way I was this season. The adversity and obstacles we overcame are something I’ll never forget. Being part of the first team to earn a bowl game berth outright since 2019 was a major accomplishment for our program, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
Individually, Woods’ résumé is impressive—multiple All-CUSA selections, 148 career tackles, four interceptions, and 30 passes defended. But for Woods, his legacy has never been measured by numbers alone.
“I could have easily left Ruston for what looked like a ‘better opportunity,’” Woods said. “At one point, I even thought the grass was greener on the other side. But going into my final year, I knew the 2025 team could be something special.
“Commitment to Louisiana Tech meant that no matter what happened—good or bad—I wanted to be there for my teammates and honor the bond we had created. They were the main reason I wanted to finish my career here. This coaching staff truly cares about its players, and that’s not something you can easily replace. I wanted to cement my legacy at Louisiana Tech. This is a special place and truly my second home.”
When Woods runs out of the tunnel in Shreveport for the final time, emotions may be hard to pin down.
“I’m not really sure what emotions I’ll feel in that moment,” he said. “Over this past year, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my career at Tech. I know this opportunity was a blessing from God, and I couldn’t be more thankful for it.”
Along the way, Woods has played in some of college football’s most iconic venues—Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium, and Faurot Field in Missouri. Yet the lessons that matter most came from Ruston.
“Louisiana Tech has taught me lessons that will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Woods said. “It taught me the importance of punctuality. Coach Cumbie always says half the battle is just showing up. To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be forgotten.
“It also taught me perseverance. I went through many tough moments—Hail Mary losses, last-second field goals, missing most of a season due to injury. Those experiences helped me realize that bad things are going to happen. What matters most isn’t what happens to you, but how you respond.”
“And the most important lesson is maintaining a positive attitude. The mind is powerful, but it can also work against you. Once I learned to stay optimistic and focus on the best-case scenario, my life changed.”
As his college career reaches its final chapter, Woods has one goal left.
“To be able to win a bowl game in my final collegiate game would be the icing on the cake,” he said, “for what has been an incredible career.”
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