2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ricky Woodhouse, LB, Southwest Baptist University

• Name: Ricky Woodhouse
• Position: LB
• College: Southwest Baptist University
• Height:6′ 0″
• Weight: 220 lbs
• X: @ricky_woodhouse
• Instagram: @_ricky_woodhouse

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I have wanted to be a football player for as long as I can remember. I fell in love with the game the very first time that I put a helmet on my head and it was a pretty easy decision from there.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite football memories is from my freshman year here at SBU when we upset nationally ranked Truman State on a walk off field goal.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I would say that my mother has been my biggest inspiration. She has always had a lot on her plate and never complains while also putting me and my siblings needs before her own.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

Something that I love about football is that when I put my helmet and shoulder pads on, nothing else matters. I get a chance to focus on nothing but the sport and not worry about school or anything else that might be going on.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

If I could hang out with any football player, it would be Brian Urlacher. He is one player that played the linebacker position the right way and always went 100%.

What is your favorite things about playing football for Southwest Baptist?

My favorite thing about playing for SBU is my teammates and coaches that I have around me. Everyone here supports each other on their good or bad days. I have made lifelong friendships, and I know I could call just about anyone on the team later in life and they would pick up on the first ring.

What should we know about Ricky Woodhouse the person?

Something that you should know about me is that I hold myself the highest possible standard. I attack everything I do with the highest possible effort and always do it to the best of my ability.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I would say our base defense that we do here at SBU. This scheme allows us to do multiple different things while also giving me the freedom to give toolbelt calls when I feel they are needed.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Football has taught me a lot in this aspect of life. There are a lot of ups and downs throughout a football game and season, just like there will be in life. This has shown me that no matter what happens as long as I get back up and attack the situation with everything I have it will all work out eventually.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would be getting someone who is going to attack everything thrown at me at 110%. I will do whatever it takes to help a team win. I hold myself to a very high standard and expect nothing but the best out of myself.

What stands out about your film the most?

I would say my effort would be the one thing that stands out the most. No matter how far the ball was or what the score board might say, I am always playing as hard as I possibly can.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

I would have to say two. Josh Koranda is the most underrated player I have ever played with. As an interior defensive lineman, people didn’t really ever get to hear his name called as much as it should’ve been. He was the kind of player that commanded a double team every play and if he didn’t have one 9/10 times, he was the guy making the play in the backfield. When you have a guy like that playing in front of you as a linebacker it makes your job a lot easier. The other would-be Jobe Smith. As a Running Back he has the best vision and he does a great job leading our team.