MOUNT VERNON — When mentioning student athletes to Mount Vernon football coach Mark Weber, the name Emanuel Woods will inevitably surface.
The 14-year-old already has eye-popping physical attributes at 6-foot-1, 160 pounds while playing safety and wide receiver.
But what’s going on inside the helmet is impressive, too.
“Emanuel is probably a better person than he is a football player if you can believe that,” Mount Vernon High School football coach Mark Weber said.
That is saying a lot, considering the Mount Vernon eighth grader recently competed in the All-American Exposure Bowl in Orlando, Florida, and has received verbal interest from Syracuse University.
According to Next College Student Athlete College Recruiting, Woods is one of the top 40 football players in the nation in the Class of 2030.
“He has been very active in the community and his church and has been raised to be a ‘yes sir,’ ‘yes ma’am’ sort of kid,” Weber said.
The soft-spoken eighth grader said he does not see himself in the same light as others, as a standout athlete.
“When I got the call for the all-star game, it was a little surprising,” Woods said. “I have done a lot of hard work and just (spent) a lot of time to make this happen.”
No matter how hard he works, Weber believes his young phenom has a gift, one he compared to another species.
“He has almost cat-like reflexes. His play is largely instinctual,” Weber said. “You can teach a lot of things, but instinct really can’t be taught. It is almost like he knows what is going to happen before it happens.”
When addressing his favorite part of playing football, Woods did not mention receiving, blocking, or scoring touchdowns.
“Definitely the environment, the people, the teammates and the coaches, they just give me a different mindset.”
None of the talent that the young receiver has is by accident.
“All those Sundays you’re out there with your dad,” the coach said. “His dad’s been his number one supporter.
“I can attest that they are out there on the field from 1 to 4 o’clock honing his craft. That’s special, and I tell him, ‘don’t ever take that for granted.’ ”
In the classroom, Woods carries a 3.8 grade point average while taking classes such as Honors English and Algebra. He also acknowledges his dad’s attention.
“I would like to say ‘thank you,’” the youngster said of his father. “He’s working all day, and then coming home, he takes time to throw the ball with me.”
Woods is a multisport athlete who also runs track. He qualified and ran in the Nike Indoor Nationals track meet.
“I run track and that has definitely helped me in football,” Woods said. “Before track I was a big, slow clumsy receiver, but track has helped me in my entire game.”
What is the future for Woods in the Mount Vernon program?
“Our roster is wide open,” Weber said. “If he earns the right to play varsity as a freshman, then he will.
“He has to earn it, but with his skill set, I think you’ll see more of him, sooner than later.”
Player evaluation
RNR Sports Media offered the following evaluation of Emanuel Woods last year:
Player Evaluation: Emanuel Woods | Class of 2030 | Mount Vernon Middle School | Ohio
Emanuel Woods is a standout athlete who is making waves on the field for Mount Vernon Middle School, despite playing up against older competition. Standing at 6’0” as a 7th grader, Woods boasts an advanced physical frame for his age and shows tremendous potential as he continues to develop.
Ohio, known for its rich football tradition, is the perfect backdrop for a player of Woods’ caliber, and his aspirations to become a wide receiver at the next level align perfectly with his current skill set and versatility.
Offensive Evaluation (RB/WR)
Woods currently shines as a running back, demonstrating impressive vision and instinctual play that allows him to consistently find seams in defenses. His ability to make decisive cuts, coupled with his size and strength, makes him a dominant force in the backfield, with a nose for the end zone.
His performance against 8th-grade competition highlights his readiness to take on challenges beyond his grade level, and his natural athleticism and fluidity suggest a bright future at the wide receiver position once he transitions.
Defensive Evaluation (LB/DB)
On the defensive side, Woods displays the same tenacity and football IQ that make him a standout on offense. Whether at linebacker or defensive back, Woods shows a penchant for lighting up ball carriers and disrupting plays with his physicality and speed.
His instincts, paired with his aggressive playing style, make him a game-changer on defense, capable of reading plays quickly and making impact tackles.
Summary
Emanuel Woods is well ahead of the curve both physically and mentally. He is excelling against older competition, showing a maturity and skill set that are rare for a player his age. His versatility across multiple positions, combined with his next-level frame and instincts, positions him as a top-tier prospect.
If his current trajectory continues, Woods could be ready to step onto the JV field as early as the 8th grade, where his size and playmaking ability will undoubtedly set him apart. We believe he’s a “man amongst boys” right now, and his potential is limitless as he refines his game. Woods is a name to watch as he moves through the ranks.