"The Bone Collector: Discipline, Dominance, and the Dawg on Defense"

Tavion Woods

@Tavionwoods18

IG: @Neweartae1

6’0, 196lbs, Class of 2027

Riverside HS, WV

Tavion is a defensive terror, plain and simple. He flies around the field with the energy of a live wire and hits like a freight train with a purpose. He’s a bona fide dream crusher whose punishing tackles set the tone from the first snap. With instincts that mirror a heat-seeking missile and a relentless motor that doesn’t slow down, Tavion makes sure every opponent knows he’s coming. His presence alone changes the rhythm of a game; he’s smart, aggressive, and downright explosive. Whether you need a backfield disruptor, a goal-line enforcer, or a sideline-to-sideline menace, Tavion delivers it with passion and poise. His game is all about IQ, impact, and intensity, wrapped up in a versatile athlete who lives to lead and destroy.

The numbers back it all up with 86 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 5 sacks, and an interception as a freshman in just 9 games. In his shortened sophomore season, he still had 47 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble, and 4 touchdowns in just 5 games before a broken collarbone cut things short. But that injury didn’t break him, but rebuilt him. Tavion attacked the offseason like a man on a mission, grinding in the weight room, elevating his football IQ, and growing mentally tougher. He’s made it clear that he’s not just back, he’s better. His biggest improvement has come in how he responds to adversity. Once frustrated and emotional, he now bounces back stronger, refocused, and ready to make the next play count.

This summer, Tavion has continued visualizing his role on the field, locking in mentally before the ball is even snapped. He knows what play is coming, he anticipates the read, and when the time comes, he executes like a seasoned vet. He describes himself as a coach on the field, a vocal leader who sets the tone, demands discipline, and drives his team forward. Coaches should know they’re getting a high-character, high-intensity athlete who thrives on the little things that win games with Tavion. His mindset is elite, his physical tools are advanced, and his leadership shines in every moment.

Tavion is already a decorated athlete, earning All-State, All-MSAC, and Rookie of the Year honors, and he’s far from done. He’s drawn college interest and is scheduled for a gameday visit to Army this fall. But ask him what matters most, and he’ll tell you, “It’s the mindset.” The goal has always been to play college ball, D1 if possible, but more than anything, Tavion wants to earn that opportunity through grit, grind, and growth. He’s humble enough to play at any level, but confident enough to know he belongs at the highest one.

I assess that Tavion brings a fierce, intelligent, and relentless brand of football to the defensive side. His tackling ability, play recognition, and leadership qualities are tailor-made for programs that value physicality and discipline. He’s a tone-setter who can elevate any defense with his presence alone.

With his combination of speed, strength, and evolving maturity, Tavion is poised to explode in his junior season and beyond. Expect a bounce-back year that turns heads, earns more offers, and solidifies him as one of West Virginia’s most dangerous defenders in the 2027 class. Stay tuned.