Football: Vernon Hills’ Wood makes commitment to Winona State

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Jarrett Wood of the Cougars (top right) closes in on a tackle on Antioch's Danny Arden. Wood will be signing a national letter of intent with Winona State. | Joe Shuman~Sun-Times Media

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Updated: March 26, 2012 1:57AM

On February 1, college football’s National Signing Day, verbal pledges become official.

Among them crossing the T’s on his John Hancock will be Vernon Hills’ linebacker Jarrett Wood. Wood has accepted a scholarship from Winona State University in Minnesota.

“It’s kind of like Jarrett just won the lottery,” Vernon Hills football coach Tony Monken said. “It’s so difficult, especially in the state of Illinois with the talent we have here, to earn a scholarship. But he did it. He beat the odds.”

Although many players hem and haw over different options, Woods was decisive in his selection.

“I’ve been up there a few times, and have fallen in love with the place,” Wood said. “A winning football tradition is obviously important, but it’s everything about Winona State that makes it the perfect school for me. The coaches are all really nice guys, they have great facilities and they take a lot of pride in their education.”

At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Woods has the frame, athleticism, and skills to translate into a stud player for the Warriors, who finished 7-4 this past season.

“Jarrett has shown that he has the ability to contribute in a variety of ways, and at a variety of positions,” Monken said. “Not only is he this incredible linebacker, but I think he can be an asset in the spread offense. We used him as a running back, flanked him out as a tight end and even had him return some kicks. There aren’t many kids who can do all that.”

The senior turned in an all-conference season for the Cougars (5-4) this past fall. Wood was the team’s third leading tackler (53). He finished with three sacks and three tackles for loss.

Wood also lined up in the backfield, where he averaged 11.9 yards per carry. He scored six times.

In addition to his 381 rushing yards, Wood caught 17 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns.

“It takes everyone a little bit of time to adjust to the differences at the next level, but he has a special combination of speed, length and strength,” said Monken. “Not to mention he’s not even 18 yet because he has such a late summer birthday, so he’s still very much growing into his body. I think Winona State has struck a gold mine.”

Already planning to redshirt his freshman year, Woods will continue to bulk up in the weight room, and concentrate on his studies.

“When I went up there to visit I stayed with the current strong-side linebacker, Alex Coulter, who’s going to be a senior,” Wood said. “I’m going to learn under him for a year, and then hopefully be ready to step in the following season. I’m going in as a business major, either marketing or finance, so I think just having the chance to get bigger, stronger and faster in the gym while focusing on school, and adjusting to college is important. Alex is a finance major, and also redshirted, so it’s nice to have someone I know I can relate to and look to for advice.”

Not yet ready to relinquish Cougar athletics, Wood has shed the pads and helmets to compete on the hardwood for the Vernon Hills basketball team. As the starting center on an undersized frontcourt, Wood’s role of protecting the paint and owning the boards is critical to the success of the team.

“He may not be as well-polished as some of the big men we face off against, and often times he’s giving up a few inches, but he brings his competitive spirit and a winner’s mentality each and every day,” VH basketball coach Matt McCarty said. “I love his intangibles, and his work ethic. He’s a coachable athlete, who is fully committed to the team, and to winning.”

Although he misses playing football on an everyday basis, basketball is the ideal way to spend the offseason. The symbiotic relationship between the two sports helps Wood excel during both seasons.

“I was sad when the football season ended, but it always makes it a little easier to know I have basketball to focus on,” Wood said. “I can’t take not being active, so basketball allows me to compete, and stay in great shape. I think a lot of what I know from playing football translates into basketball. The way I’m able to defend and rebound is because I understand how to play with a low center of gravity like I do in football. I think I’m better at both sports by playing the other.”

On Saturday, Wood scored eight points to help the Vernon Hills basketball team down Round Lake 64-43.

Senior guard Darren Hoveydai scored a game-high 26 points to pace the Cougars attack. Stephen Curry added eight points as the team improved to 10-7 overall and 5-2 in the NSC Prairie.

This was a rescheduled game. Both teams were slated to play on Friday night but it was postponed due to heavy snow.