CHANDLER, Ariz. — Two local athletes are now New England Patriots by way of Chandler High School. First, it was N’Keal harry, a first-round pick from a year ago, and now offensive lineman Dustin Woodard.
“When I saw his name, Dustin Woodard, I couldn’t believe it,” said his mom, Carmen Woodard.
“At some moment you start to question whether you’re gonna get it or not,” said Dustin. But, when I got the call it was a pretty cool experience.”
The former Chandler and University of Memphis offensive lineman was selected by the Patriots in the 7th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Dustin fulfilled his lifelong dream of making it to the NFL while making his parents proud.
“Having your own dreams is one thing, but when you can do something and fulfill somebody else's dreams like your parents, it’s a great feeling.”
At 6 foot 2 inches and 291 pounds, Woodard is considered undersized and has had plenty doubt his potential. To this point, he’s proved them wrong, leaving his mark at Memphis while blocking for one of the most prolific offenses in school history. Pro Football Focus graded him the best run-blocking center in all of college football.
I always stood by my faith and having the chip on my shoulder. I know I have to come to work and work that much harder than somebody else that has the measurables and has the size that they’re looking for.”
“Everything he did, he proved himself,” said Dustin’s dad, Dan Woodard.
It helped that he had a head coach in Mike Norvell, who recruited him while he was the offensive coordinator at Arizona State and later head coach at Memphis.
“It definitely allowed me to be myself, it allowed me to be how I play and not how somebody wants me to play and how they think, oh he’s too short. Coach Norvell gave me the chance to do me.”
And, he’s now heading to a team in New England that has its own way of evaluating players.
“Right now on their offensive line too, some guys aren’t all the NFL measurable-type. They have guys that are going to work and put in the work each and every day. It is encouraging.”
Although he’ll still have to compete for a spot on the roster, his number one fans, mom and dad, are already making plans to see their son in a Patriots uniform.
“I want to be near my son at least once or twice every other month, and practices,” said Carmen. “ He’s going to New England, so I’m happy. He’s a Patriot, so I’m happy.”
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