Pasadena, CA- Imagine waking up on New Year’s Day to jump on the football team charter bus of your dream school: The University of Alabama. The charter bus traveled to the Grandaddy of Them All, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinals at the Rose Bowl. That was the life of early enrollee safety Peyton Woodyard of St. John Bosco in Bellflower, CA.
For the last four years you could find Woodyard in the defensive backfield for the Bosco Braves football team. He even found snaps on a talented Braves team by playing special teams. During the offseason, he played for the baseball team, bringing his speed and length to the batter’s box.
A few weeks before Christmas, Woodyard was able to participate in Alabama’s bowl practice in Tuscaloosa, AL with his new team. He was sporting a clean crimson jersey with a white #23 across his chest. Once the team had a quick break, they were all reunited for the last week of preparation.
With the game being played locally, the team’s practice session in Carson allowed former teammates and coaches to come see coach Nick Saban and Woodyard.
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He took the field at the Rose Bowl donning that no. 23 jersey for the No. 4 Crimson Tide to face off with the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines. A crowd of over 68,000 fans filled up the stadium and cheered loud.
Woodyard’s last trip to the Rose Bowl was with the Braves when they battled Trinity League foe Mater Dei who they defeated 24-22. That Championship night, he had three solo tackles and four assisted tackles for a total of seven hits.
Now one may wonder how they can duplicate a path like this, it is possible by being a true Student Athlete. Woodyard graduated with a 3.62 GPA in 3 ½ years with AP and Honors classes.
“We have always told our kids they can do anything in life,” said mother Nora Woodyard, “With hard work, perseverance, discipline, and keeping God the center and foundation, it is all possible.”
Woodyard has one last commitment before starting class, which was The All-American All-Star game in San Antonio, Texas. This was his last ride with the Bosco Trio who have been linked since being incoming freshmen. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is heading to Notre Dame and defensive back Marcelles Williams is heading to USC. These three were cornerstones for the Braves.
As the awards kept piling up, Woodyard was named All-American Bowl Man of the Year Award at the 2024 Awards Show.
Now it’s time to watch what Woodyard will do in Alabama as the Student-Athlete.
“He said he was extremely excited. He said he wasn’t nervous,” (about going to Alabama) said father Gerald Woodyard.
You can follow Peyton Woodyard’s journey through Instagram @peypeywood
