Vernon Woodward III

Photo by: Patrick Pierson / Illinois Athletics

Photo by: Ashley Ray/Fighting Illini

Photo by: Illinois Fighting Illini

Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
Cornerback ranks: #63 (247Sports), #81 (ESPN), #112 (On3)
State of Florida ranks: #92 (247Sports), #106 (On3), #124 (ESPN)
Played for head coach Tim Shifflet at Winter Park
Played one season at Winter Park after playing for University HS in Orange City, Fla.
Did not allow a touchdown in man coverage as a senior
80+ tackles, two interceptions, 10 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries in his final two years of prep football
2023 all-conference first team
35 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in six games as a senior
Offers included Boston College, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Louisville, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oregon State, Purdue, Tulane, Virginia, and West Virginia

Born January 31, 2006
Son of Vernon Woodward and Lynzette Alexander
Has two brothers
Chose Illinois because, “The culture coach Bielema is building is amazing. Not only will I be playing at a high level of football, but I will also be surrounded by great coaches who will coach hard and treat you like family.”
Majoring in sociology