LaVar is joined this week by two finalist for the Campbell Trophy, Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser and UNLV linebacker Jackson Woodard. LaVar chats with each about their play on the field, the achievements in the classroom and what the Campbell Trophy means to them.
Named in honor of the late William V. Campbell, the former chairman of Intuit, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF's Gold Medal, The William V. Campbell Trophy® has become the most prestigious and desirable "academic" award in college football. The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
Takeaways:
- Playing at Notre Dame is a prestigious honor.
- The Campbell Trophy recognizes academic and athletic excellence.
- Handling success is crucial for team growth.
- Academic performance directly impacts athletic performance.
- Identity beyond football is essential for personal development.
- Football provides unique life experiences and opportunities.
- Community service is a vital part of being a student-athlete.
- Education is key for future aspirations beyond football.
- The evolution of linebacker play requires adaptability and skill.
- Football represents a way of life and personal fulfillment.
#upongame #fsrweekends #2Pros
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
What's up?
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Everybody's LeVar Arrington here and I have a special treat
for you guys to Campbell Trophy Award finalists. And yes
they are thumpers. Two LB's two conversations with me. The
third a former LB.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
I'll take it. You know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Hey, listen, Jackson Woodard, he's a man UNLV makes plays,
does his thing. And my man Jack Kaiser, Yep, he
does his thing as well, and he does it as
a golden domer for the Notre.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
Dame Fighting Irish. I talked to both of them.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
I got some perspective from both of them, and now
you're going to get to hear what's good in the
game with Jackson and jack.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Here we go. I'm LeVar Arrington. Let's do it. National
Football Foundation.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Damn.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Take one exact. You're a man after my own likeness.
You are a defender. You are one who is called
in when the negotiations go bad and you have to
go in and you have to get it done first
and foremost. What's it like being that guy at Notre Dame,
(01:24):
a golden domer on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
How does that work for you?
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Yeah? I mean, you know, first, being at Enter Dame.
It's such a big stage. And so just being here
and being a player here and being able to play
on the field and be with all the guys like
it's it's a very special honor to be part of
the program. But then be on the defensive side of things.
I'm looking at, you know, all the people that have
come before, especially at the linebacker position. It's you know,
(01:51):
it's there's a high standard, especially when you look at
like a man Tiito, Drew Trankule, and the list is
on and on and so the play linebacker here is
very special and you know, we got to live up
to the standard every single day.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
So to be up for the prestige is Campbell Award
and knowing that it's not just about your play on
the field, but it's also about what your community service
is and what you do in academics and in the classroom.
Just talk to me a little bit about what it
feels like to you to be named to the finalist
list of this prestigious award from the National Football Foundation.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Yeah, when you look at what you know the Campbell
Trophy is all about, and all the other finalists out
there and everybody who's ever been in that conversation and
just kind of what the award stands for. It's a
big deal. You said it yourself, you know, academically, you know,
leadership wise, being out in the community, and then obviously
your your performance on the field. To kind of put
(02:52):
that all in combination of one award, it's a like
I said, it's a big deal. So to be even
in the conversation with you know, all the other finalists
and and certainly the other guys who have won in
the past, and you look at those names and there's
some pretty special names to be in that conversation like,
it's a it's a huge honor.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Yes it is.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
And and listen, they always do a great job of
bringing the most bright and brilliant young minds to the table.
That happened to be some dope athletes and football players
at the same time. So you should certainly be super
proud of yourself. I'll most likely see you at the
awards when it's being presented as well. Let's talk about
(03:35):
what it what it looks like on the football field
for you guys.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
You guys had a.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Little rough one early on to begin with, but you guys,
you know you you burnt the ship and you guys
jumped on and you guys have been doing your thing
ever since, ranked number ten and continuing to to kind
of improve and get better. What what does that feel
(04:00):
like for you guys? How are you approaching having the
opportunity to possibly be in the college playoff even after
having a slight stumble at the beginning of the year.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
Yeah, I mean, one message coach Freeman echoes every single
day is, you know, how do we handle success? Right?
We had the big opening, you know, see, the win
to open the season, and then immediately in week two,
like you said, we stumble and so we didn't really
handle success very well. And so ever since then, it's
you know, keeping that that pit in your stomach from
(04:33):
that loss and using it as motivation and not really
you know, letting the external factors or the media or
whatever is going on outside of what we can control,
you know, dictate what how we respond. And so it's
just every day, how do you handle success? And what
does that look like? Are you how do you improve
(04:53):
your process? How each week do you come about to
do your job and get the work done. And so
that's just been kind of our message. Like each week,
like Hey, we've stumbled, but we got to grow from that.
And and you know, how do you handle success? And
we want to show that we can handle it in
the right way and move forward and improve from it.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Do you think being so strong academically plays a part
in how you internalize what it is that you have
to get done and do on the football field, And
how can you explain how that plays a part for you?
Speaker 3 (05:28):
Yeah? I mean I'm a very analytical person, right My
my undergrad was in analytics, my masters.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
To two degrees right now, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
And so analytics undergrad masters in accounting, like numbers are
kind of how I'm driven. And so it's a very
process oriented, uh you know the way I go about things.
And I think that's a lot of people here at
Mitre Dame. It's just the type of people we draw
and the guys we have in the locker room. And
so just every week, just you know, making sure that
(05:58):
you're going through your process and not leaving anything undone
and then always going back ain the weekend. How can
I improve that? What's what's ways I can tinker to
get that better? And and and have a checklist to
go through. That's just the type of person I am.
That's how I am in school that time, in football
at that time, and you know, my everyday life. And
(06:18):
so I think that certainly helped me just kind of
in each area of life, just be able to you know,
check the box and and make sure I'm always improving.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Here's an interesting question I have for you. Are you
a person that plays football or are you a football
player that is a person.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
I would say I'm a person that plays football. Okay,
like first and foremost, like you're a person a person, right,
and I have I have goals outside of football, right,
But at the same time, like I've played football ever
since I can remember. I have two older brothers that
I would go in the backyard and you know, grind out,
(07:02):
you know, after a Sunday NFL game, we'd go out
there and toss ball around and hit each other. And
that's that's also an identity I've developed, right, And so
it's like, I'm I'm a person who plays football, but
I played football and I love to do it and
it's a part of me for sure.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
I like it. I'm a person that plays football. I
played football.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Yeah, the game will end, you know what I mean,
The game will end, and what will be left is
you as the person. And then if you've always been
the person, then you don't have to try to figure
out how to be the person that was always the
football player and the football players I had to figure
out what being a person represented, you know what I.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Mean exactly, And I think you know, coming to Notre
Dame really just helped me see that, you know, being
surrounded by the students here and and the people here,
and just hear their stories and all their accomplishments and
and I'm not even saying the student athletes, it's the
realer students you meet in the dorm. It's pretty remarked.
And so that really makes you see that there is
a whole other world out there, but also makes you
(08:05):
understand how special it is to play football because a
lot of people would kill for it and they don't
get the opportunity.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
Everybody can do it, or everybody be doing it, you
know what I mean. Special few And I'm glad that
you said that because that kind of segues into kind
of my last question to you, is knowing that you've
been able to be so good academically, being so good
within the game, what has the game of football meant
(08:33):
to you. You talk about going in the backyard with
your brothers, you play the game. The game has given
you an opportunity to be able to see things and
experience things that you know are unique to the game.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
What has the game of football meant to you? Because
the name of the show is called Good End the Game.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
So explain to me, because what's important about doing this
show when we created the show was for people to
understand and why football is so amazing, why football means
so much, why it's so good. Uh, in terms of
what it represents? What does that mean? What does football represent?
(09:12):
What does it mean to you?
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Yeah, I mean football's giving me such a platform. When
you look at you know, the ability to come to
Notre Dame. Who knows if I'm here without football? So
there's the first thing, right, And then when you look
at you know, all the experiences I've been able to
you know, have because of football. You know, go to Ireland,
playing at Texas A and M play at Florida State, like,
play at these biggest venues and then also have my
(09:37):
family come to those and friends come to those and
and kind of share my experience with you know, people
back home you know, being from a small town, like
you know, you didn't get that experience every single day.
And so to be able to share, you know with
my community back home and that experience and kind of
give them someone to root for it and watch and
be a fan of. Like, that's that's been a big
(09:59):
deal for me. And I haven't really realize that until
these last couple of years where I've seen you know, people,
but you know, at times I might take this for granted,
but then I talk to someone back home and to
them it's such a big deal, right. And then in
terms of just you know, getting like a getting outside
(10:19):
of school and outside of your life and just be
able to have fun because you know, football is a
game at the end of the day, right, and so
we could come out here, you know, release our competitive
you know drive and just have fun and do you know,
do something that I've been doing since you know, I've
been two years old or three years old, in the basement,
in the backyard. So to be able to you know,
(10:41):
one share the experience with others, then you know, be
able to play a game and be in a world
today where there's so much stress going around and the
environment and politics and and what you know, whatever it
may be, Like, I don't have to worry about that
when I step on the football field. So yeah, just
having all that like it shows that football is more
(11:04):
than a game. It's it's it can be a way
of life, but it can give back. Uh and and
there's so much good in the game for sure.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Love it, love it, Jack Kaiser, everyone LB you know
what I mean us LB's we talk a different language
when we're not on camera.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
So when I.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
See now, I'm over, I'm over embellishing here. We're actually
pretty pretty studious people speaking of two degrees and and
and continuing on. Uh, super super dope resume, my guy,
you play play excellent football. I watch you. I respect you,
I respect your game I do. I do radio with
(11:44):
with Brady Brady Quinn five days a week, so I
watched Notre Dame very closely. We watch each other's schools
very closely. So yeah, but peel really good about you, man,
and and happy to have the opportunity to to talk
with you, and and and really kind to you know,
pick your brain about some of the things that I
asked you about.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Last question.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
I'm gonna let you go with this one because I'd
like it. Just it just it just jumped in me
while while I'm wrapping up with you. But I mean,
what would it mean for you personally in your journey
to not only make the college playoff, but to possibly
be able to actually navigate through it and make it
(12:26):
to that final game?
Speaker 1 (12:27):
What would that mean to you?
Speaker 3 (12:30):
Man? I mean, it would mean so much to me,
But when you just look at the larger thing, what
it would mean to this university, to the guys on
the team, to alumni, to the former players, like, it
wouldn't mean everything you look at. You know the history
of Notre Dame, it's always been a national championship contender, right,
(12:52):
but yet we haven't gotten done since nineteen ninety or
nineteen eighty eight, and so you know the clock's ticking.
You know, their name needs to get back at the
top of the pedestal. And so to be a part
of that group that can do that or at least,
you know, give everything we got for it, it would
be an amazing opportunity. And so you know with that though,
it's one game at a time, right, you got to
(13:14):
handle your business and and everything else will sort out itself.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Appreciate you, bro, live like a champlain, Live like a champion,
Play like a champion, Be a champion.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
Huh absolutely in every way in life.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
Indeed, man, it's great talking to you. Man. I appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Good luck to you, continue success to you, stay healthy
and I'll continue to see you climb that ladder.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
My guy.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Awesome, appreciate you having me on.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
All right, good luck to you, my guy. We got
Jackson Wooter LB.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Yeah, sure for you and l V.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Doing the thing. Four interceptions? Man, you got your hands
on four? How you doing it?
Speaker 1 (13:56):
How you get four I and t's man? Who you read?
What would you reading? The eyes of the QB. What
coverage are you in?
Speaker 4 (14:01):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (14:02):
A lot of it's just film work. And I've had
my hands on a lot more. I gotta get better
at catching, you know. These LB hands aren't too aren't
too good. But yeah, a lot of that's just film work,
you know, seeing the route concepts, understanding where they're gonna
be in my zone. If I'm in cover three, cover two,
I got one a man a man, which was big
for me. But then you know, just trusting the teammates
(14:22):
should be where they're gonna be, and then I'm able
to just read off the quarterback disguise some cheff and
then bade them into you know a few tows.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Love it. I love that.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
I love that talk now talking about studying and understanding
it and the concepts. You're up for the Campbell Award.
You are a finalist for the Campbell which is a
prestigious award given to those who not only show it
on the football field, but they show it in their
communities and they show it in the classroom. You're heading
(14:54):
towards getting your grat right, getting the masters, I believe, Yes, sir,
that's beautiful man. Talk talk to me about how education
has and academics has played so much a role and
your ability to be the player that you are.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
Yeah, I think I realized from from once I got
into college the impact that that academics would have on,
you know, my on field ability. If I'm not able
to concentrate on my academics or I'm doing bad in academics,
then I'm gonna you know, it's gonna affect me on
the field. And I obviously wanted to be the best
I could be on the field, so I knew that
I had to be the best I can be in academics,
you know, and then a lot of it's just come
(15:33):
you know, the competitive nature.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
You know.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
I always wanted to be the best in the classroom.
I wanted the teacher to be the one that you know,
says I had the best grade, or or compliments me,
or just whatever it is. I wanted to be the best.
And then obviously I knew that I had a huge
impact on my future. Uh not only just the relationships
in the classroom with the people in there and the teachers,
but also you know that that degree means something. And
(15:58):
then I had, you know, big means of hopefully being
an oral surgeon one day. And I knew that I
had to be a top performer in my class to
even get accepted into dental school. So that was another
driving passion for me.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
So how does that play a part and community?
Speaker 2 (16:16):
So we're talking about how it plays apart in your
studying and preparation and how you focus in on the game.
How does that play a part in the community, because
wanting to be a dental surgeon, that's communal, that's that's
community driven. And you'll have you know, at some point,
whether i'd assume whether you play pro or not, if
those are your admirations and ambitions. You'll probably end up
(16:38):
doing something to that effect. How does community play a
part in Jackson's life?
Speaker 5 (16:44):
Yeah, I think, you know, treating others how they want
to be treated is the biggest thing. But I've been
blessed in so many ways, you know, the community here
in Las Vegas, and then obviously I was in Fabel
before this, but I've just loved on me and given
me everything that I've wished for, you know, starting with
the fans and then just even the people around the building.
Speaker 4 (17:08):
So it was, you know, my.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
Will or duty to give back. And there's nothing better,
There's no better feeling. It doesn't matter how many interceptions
or shacks or just putting a smile on somebody's face is.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
You know, it's unbeatable. Helping somebody out.
Speaker 5 (17:22):
That's what that really fills me up, you know, That's
what That's what Sue's the soul is to help out people.
There's a lot of people that need it. You know,
I'm obviously in a blessed situation and I've had many
people that have reached out and helped me. So you know,
I can do if if I can do anything, I
want to help people, you know, give back.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Love that, love that, and that's how that's how it
all works. So let's let's talk about I mean, you're
you're a tall backer. Like you're you're tall, You're a
good sized backer, and and the way the game is changing,
you know, it's you got to be able to stop
the run, but you got to be able to run.
You got to be able to run and coverage. As
(18:04):
you mentioned, you got one and man to man being
at standing at six'. Three what do you feel like
are the advantages for you and what it is that
you bring to the, Table because, ultimately if you're putting
in the work and you're putting in the, time and
you have the physical attributes to go along with what
it is that you're putting, in you, know with the
(18:24):
study and the time to understand what your opponent is,
doing size begins to you, know an athletic ability begins
to play a major, part because, hey If i'm studying
like you And i'm preparing like, you But i'm more
physically gifted than you, are there's going to be some
problems for y'all on the other side of the. Ball
how does that play a part and what do you
(18:45):
look at your size and play your, size or you
a guy that plays a smaller style of, game like more,
quick more, cheetah like.
Speaker 1 (18:52):
Like what's what's your?
Speaker 5 (18:54):
Game, Yeah i've watched so much film ON nfl. LINEBACKERS
i love Watching, warner and THEN i also like Watching Dre.
Greenlaw they're on the same team and they're so. Different
they play such a different style of. Ball and then
there's also many other people That i've obviously watched and
had the pleasure of playing, behind And i've tried to
(19:15):
take everything from from. EVERYBODY i want to be a
little bit Like Dre, greenlaw but, also you, know want
to be Like Fred, warner AND i try to mix and.
Match SO i wouldn't say That i'm there's anything, specific
but man IF i can soak up, anything and JUST
i like to Say i'm really aggressive, downhill really. Instinctive
And i've had to work on zone. Covers that was
(19:37):
a big THING i worked on in the off season
was my zone. Drops AND i always told, coach you,
know that's that's the biggest THING i need to, understand
is just more of the concepts or route concepts you
can drop in his. Zone but you got to know
if there's something come behind you or what they're trying to,
do especially nowadays they're trying to pick on, linebackers you,
know drop something in front of you because something's coming
right behind.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
You that's.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
RIGHT a lot of, IT i think is OBVIOUSLY i
don't look at my size too.
Speaker 4 (19:59):
Much more is Just i'm gonna.
Speaker 5 (20:01):
One b you, know outstudy, you out game plan, you
and then no one's gonna work physical.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
Yet, yeah no one physical.
Speaker 5 (20:09):
Yet no one's gonna work, harder and no one's, gonna you,
know knockheads Like i'm gonna.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
Knockheads you.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
KNOW i love. IT i love.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
It, Okay so the name of this podcast is good
in The. Game what has the game of? Football because
this is all about what's good about? Football what's great about,
football the experiences that you're able to, have the, outlets the,
exposure it's so many different things that the, game just
character building or. Perseverance what has the game of football
(20:40):
represented to? You what is the good of the Good
For Jackson, Woodard.
Speaker 4 (20:45):
It's given me my.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
Life.
Speaker 5 (20:47):
MAN i can't really describe HOW i feel When i'm
not playing this. Game you, know When i'm on that,
field even practice that's WHERE i feel at, Home that's
WHERE i feel, safe that's WHERE i feel my. Best
just it's IT'S i don't, Know i'm addicted to. IT
i can't get enough of. It just the brother you,
(21:08):
know the brothers in the locker. Room, uh they mean
everything to. Me you, KNOW i could even get emotional
talking about the game of. FOOTBALL i JUST i can't
get enough of. It it's taught, me taught me. Everything
it teaches me how to treat, others you, know even
outside of the. Game it treats me how to never,
quit never give. Up you, know there's ups and downs
of this game that can that can really shape who you.
(21:28):
Are BUT i could go.
Speaker 4 (21:31):
On it's it's given me, everything, Man it's it's my.
Speaker 5 (21:33):
Life it's ALL i think, about ALL i care, about
keeps me up at, Night IT'S i love.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
It you're six and. Two what's what's how do you
finish out the? Season what what's the goal of the
year for you and for the.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
Guys, yeah obviously we got we got four coming, up
and it's you already said, it finish in all capital,
letters you, know it's you, know time waits. On no,
man we got twenty seven. Days it's time to. Go
we're starving for that next. Opportunity, man can't wait to
get back on the.
Speaker 4 (22:03):
Field.
Speaker 5 (22:04):
Uh we gotta be. Detailed keep our habits of winning.
Habits it's a long. Season we got to keep. Them
but obviously to go ten and. Two hopefully we get
a rematch in the, championship and then you, know after
after the, championship whatever whatever happens with the with the
playoffs and the bowl, game that'll that'll. Happen you, know
can't get worried about. That that's not in our.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
Control so, Yeah i'm with. YOU i was wondering if
he was going to bring up the.
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Playoff hopefully y'all can get, it, Man hopefully y'all finished out.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Strong y'all can get.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
It.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
SURE i wish you.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
Luck my.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
God That's Jackson, woodard finalist for The Campbell. Trophy The
campbell is The. Campbell it's, prestigious it means a, lot it's,
dope and my Guy jackson is up for. It we
appreciate you coming, on, man and we appreciate all of
you logging in and listening and checking out everything that's
(22:58):
good in the. Game AS i, mentioned make sure you
check out not only What jackson is doing on the,
field but, hey check him out and everything else that he's.
Doing are you on social what's your social?
Speaker 1 (23:09):
Handle?
Speaker 5 (23:10):
Instagram I'm Jackson, Underscore Underscore ward and Then i'll the.
Speaker 4 (23:14):
REST i don't, Know, twitter something down something.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Damn look them, up look them, up follow, them give
them a shout, out give them a pat on the,
back give them a little. Encouragement. Man we really appreciate
you coming on to the, show my.
Speaker 4 (23:28):
Guy, yeah appreciate luck to. You thanks, indeed all, right
you'd be.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
Good check check us out at, YouTube check everything out
that we're doing podcast, wise because we're doing it to
tell you why football is good for, you your, family
and your. Community it's good in the, game. Y'all I'm LeVar.
Arrington appreciate you tuning. In make sure you check out
all the. Episodes we got a lot of guys coming,
(23:53):
on some really really, good good guests THAT i get
an opportunity to talk. To so make sure you stay
locked in and doubt then all right until next, TIME
Nff National Football, Foundation good in the.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Game we're out
What's up?
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Everybody's LeVar Arrington here and I have a special treat
for you guys to Campbell Trophy Award finalists. And yes
they are thumpers. Two LB's two conversations with me. The
third a former LB.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
I'll take it. You know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Hey, listen, Jackson Woodard, he's a man UNLV makes plays,
does his thing. And my man Jack Kaiser, Yep, he
does his thing as well, and he does it as
a golden domer for the Notre.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
Dame Fighting Irish. I talked to both of them.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
I got some perspective from both of them, and now
you're going to get to hear what's good in the
game with Jackson and jack.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Here we go. I'm LeVar Arrington. Let's do it. National
Football Foundation.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Damn.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Take one exact. You're a man after my own likeness.
You are a defender. You are one who is called
in when the negotiations go bad and you have to
go in and you have to get it done first
and foremost. What's it like being that guy at Notre Dame,
(01:24):
a golden domer on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
How does that work for you?
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Yeah? I mean, you know, first, being at Enter Dame.
It's such a big stage. And so just being here
and being a player here and being able to play
on the field and be with all the guys like
it's it's a very special honor to be part of
the program. But then be on the defensive side of things.
I'm looking at, you know, all the people that have
come before, especially at the linebacker position. It's you know,
(01:51):
it's there's a high standard, especially when you look at
like a man Tiito, Drew Trankule, and the list is
on and on and so the play linebacker here is
very special and you know, we got to live up
to the standard every single day.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
So to be up for the prestige is Campbell Award
and knowing that it's not just about your play on
the field, but it's also about what your community service
is and what you do in academics and in the classroom.
Just talk to me a little bit about what it
feels like to you to be named to the finalist
list of this prestigious award from the National Football Foundation.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Yeah, when you look at what you know the Campbell
Trophy is all about, and all the other finalists out
there and everybody who's ever been in that conversation and
just kind of what the award stands for. It's a
big deal. You said it yourself, you know, academically, you know,
leadership wise, being out in the community, and then obviously
your your performance on the field. To kind of put
(02:52):
that all in combination of one award, it's a like
I said, it's a big deal. So to be even
in the conversation with you know, all the other finalists
and and certainly the other guys who have won in
the past, and you look at those names and there's
some pretty special names to be in that conversation like,
it's a it's a huge honor.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Yes it is.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
And and listen, they always do a great job of
bringing the most bright and brilliant young minds to the table.
That happened to be some dope athletes and football players
at the same time. So you should certainly be super
proud of yourself. I'll most likely see you at the
awards when it's being presented as well. Let's talk about
(03:35):
what it what it looks like on the football field
for you guys.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
You guys had a.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Little rough one early on to begin with, but you guys,
you know you you burnt the ship and you guys
jumped on and you guys have been doing your thing
ever since, ranked number ten and continuing to to kind
of improve and get better. What what does that feel
(04:00):
like for you guys? How are you approaching having the
opportunity to possibly be in the college playoff even after
having a slight stumble at the beginning of the year.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
Yeah, I mean, one message coach Freeman echoes every single
day is, you know, how do we handle success? Right?
We had the big opening, you know, see, the win
to open the season, and then immediately in week two,
like you said, we stumble and so we didn't really
handle success very well. And so ever since then, it's
you know, keeping that that pit in your stomach from
(04:33):
that loss and using it as motivation and not really
you know, letting the external factors or the media or
whatever is going on outside of what we can control,
you know, dictate what how we respond. And so it's
just every day, how do you handle success? And what
does that look like? Are you how do you improve
(04:53):
your process? How each week do you come about to
do your job and get the work done. And so
that's just been kind of our message. Like each week,
like Hey, we've stumbled, but we got to grow from that.
And and you know, how do you handle success? And
we want to show that we can handle it in
the right way and move forward and improve from it.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Do you think being so strong academically plays a part
in how you internalize what it is that you have
to get done and do on the football field, And
how can you explain how that plays a part for you?
Speaker 3 (05:28):
Yeah? I mean I'm a very analytical person, right My
my undergrad was in analytics, my masters.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
To two degrees right now, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
And so analytics undergrad masters in accounting, like numbers are
kind of how I'm driven. And so it's a very
process oriented, uh you know the way I go about things.
And I think that's a lot of people here at
Mitre Dame. It's just the type of people we draw
and the guys we have in the locker room. And
so just every week, just you know, making sure that
(05:58):
you're going through your process and not leaving anything undone
and then always going back ain the weekend. How can
I improve that? What's what's ways I can tinker to
get that better? And and and have a checklist to
go through. That's just the type of person I am.
That's how I am in school that time, in football
at that time, and you know, my everyday life. And
(06:18):
so I think that certainly helped me just kind of
in each area of life, just be able to you know,
check the box and and make sure I'm always improving.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Here's an interesting question I have for you. Are you
a person that plays football or are you a football
player that is a person.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
I would say I'm a person that plays football. Okay,
like first and foremost, like you're a person a person, right,
and I have I have goals outside of football, right,
But at the same time, like I've played football ever
since I can remember. I have two older brothers that
I would go in the backyard and you know, grind out,
(07:02):
you know, after a Sunday NFL game, we'd go out
there and toss ball around and hit each other. And
that's that's also an identity I've developed, right, And so
it's like, I'm I'm a person who plays football, but
I played football and I love to do it and
it's a part of me for sure.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
I like it. I'm a person that plays football. I
played football.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Yeah, the game will end, you know what I mean,
The game will end, and what will be left is
you as the person. And then if you've always been
the person, then you don't have to try to figure
out how to be the person that was always the
football player and the football players I had to figure
out what being a person represented, you know what I.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Mean exactly, And I think you know, coming to Notre
Dame really just helped me see that, you know, being
surrounded by the students here and and the people here,
and just hear their stories and all their accomplishments and
and I'm not even saying the student athletes, it's the
realer students you meet in the dorm. It's pretty remarked.
And so that really makes you see that there is
a whole other world out there, but also makes you
(08:05):
understand how special it is to play football because a
lot of people would kill for it and they don't
get the opportunity.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
Everybody can do it, or everybody be doing it, you
know what I mean. Special few And I'm glad that
you said that because that kind of segues into kind
of my last question to you, is knowing that you've
been able to be so good academically, being so good
within the game, what has the game of football meant
(08:33):
to you. You talk about going in the backyard with
your brothers, you play the game. The game has given
you an opportunity to be able to see things and
experience things that you know are unique to the game.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
What has the game of football meant to you? Because
the name of the show is called Good End the Game.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
So explain to me, because what's important about doing this
show when we created the show was for people to
understand and why football is so amazing, why football means
so much, why it's so good. Uh, in terms of
what it represents? What does that mean? What does football represent?
(09:12):
What does it mean to you?
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Yeah, I mean football's giving me such a platform. When
you look at you know, the ability to come to
Notre Dame. Who knows if I'm here without football? So
there's the first thing, right, And then when you look
at you know, all the experiences I've been able to
you know, have because of football. You know, go to Ireland,
playing at Texas A and M play at Florida State, like,
play at these biggest venues and then also have my
(09:37):
family come to those and friends come to those and
and kind of share my experience with you know, people
back home you know, being from a small town, like
you know, you didn't get that experience every single day.
And so to be able to share, you know with
my community back home and that experience and kind of
give them someone to root for it and watch and
be a fan of. Like, that's that's been a big
(09:59):
deal for me. And I haven't really realize that until
these last couple of years where I've seen you know, people,
but you know, at times I might take this for granted,
but then I talk to someone back home and to
them it's such a big deal, right. And then in
terms of just you know, getting like a getting outside
(10:19):
of school and outside of your life and just be
able to have fun because you know, football is a
game at the end of the day, right, and so
we could come out here, you know, release our competitive
you know drive and just have fun and do you know,
do something that I've been doing since you know, I've
been two years old or three years old, in the basement,
in the backyard. So to be able to you know,
(10:41):
one share the experience with others, then you know, be
able to play a game and be in a world
today where there's so much stress going around and the
environment and politics and and what you know, whatever it
may be, Like, I don't have to worry about that
when I step on the football field. So yeah, just
having all that like it shows that football is more
(11:04):
than a game. It's it's it can be a way
of life, but it can give back. Uh and and
there's so much good in the game for sure.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Love it, love it, Jack Kaiser, everyone LB you know
what I mean us LB's we talk a different language
when we're not on camera.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
So when I.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
See now, I'm over, I'm over embellishing here. We're actually
pretty pretty studious people speaking of two degrees and and
and continuing on. Uh, super super dope resume, my guy,
you play play excellent football. I watch you. I respect you,
I respect your game I do. I do radio with
(11:44):
with Brady Brady Quinn five days a week, so I
watched Notre Dame very closely. We watch each other's schools
very closely. So yeah, but peel really good about you, man,
and and happy to have the opportunity to to talk
with you, and and and really kind to you know,
pick your brain about some of the things that I
asked you about.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Last question.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
I'm gonna let you go with this one because I'd
like it. Just it just it just jumped in me
while while I'm wrapping up with you. But I mean,
what would it mean for you personally in your journey
to not only make the college playoff, but to possibly
be able to actually navigate through it and make it
(12:26):
to that final game?
Speaker 1 (12:27):
What would that mean to you?
Speaker 3 (12:30):
Man? I mean, it would mean so much to me,
But when you just look at the larger thing, what
it would mean to this university, to the guys on
the team, to alumni, to the former players, like, it
wouldn't mean everything you look at. You know the history
of Notre Dame, it's always been a national championship contender, right,
(12:52):
but yet we haven't gotten done since nineteen ninety or
nineteen eighty eight, and so you know the clock's ticking.
You know, their name needs to get back at the
top of the pedestal. And so to be a part
of that group that can do that or at least,
you know, give everything we got for it, it would
be an amazing opportunity. And so you know with that though,
it's one game at a time, right, you got to
(13:14):
handle your business and and everything else will sort out itself.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Appreciate you, bro, live like a champlain, Live like a champion,
Play like a champion, Be a champion.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
Huh absolutely in every way in life.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
Indeed, man, it's great talking to you. Man. I appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Good luck to you, continue success to you, stay healthy
and I'll continue to see you climb that ladder.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
My guy.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Awesome, appreciate you having me on.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
All right, good luck to you, my guy. We got
Jackson Wooter LB.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Yeah, sure for you and l V.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Doing the thing. Four interceptions? Man, you got your hands
on four? How you doing it?
Speaker 1 (13:56):
How you get four I and t's man? Who you read?
What would you reading? The eyes of the QB. What
coverage are you in?
Speaker 4 (14:01):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (14:02):
A lot of it's just film work. And I've had
my hands on a lot more. I gotta get better
at catching, you know. These LB hands aren't too aren't
too good. But yeah, a lot of that's just film work,
you know, seeing the route concepts, understanding where they're gonna
be in my zone. If I'm in cover three, cover two,
I got one a man a man, which was big
for me. But then you know, just trusting the teammates
(14:22):
should be where they're gonna be, and then I'm able
to just read off the quarterback disguise some cheff and
then bade them into you know a few tows.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Love it. I love that.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
I love that talk now talking about studying and understanding
it and the concepts. You're up for the Campbell Award.
You are a finalist for the Campbell which is a
prestigious award given to those who not only show it
on the football field, but they show it in their
communities and they show it in the classroom. You're heading
(14:54):
towards getting your grat right, getting the masters, I believe, Yes, sir,
that's beautiful man. Talk talk to me about how education
has and academics has played so much a role and
your ability to be the player that you are.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
Yeah, I think I realized from from once I got
into college the impact that that academics would have on,
you know, my on field ability. If I'm not able
to concentrate on my academics or I'm doing bad in academics,
then I'm gonna you know, it's gonna affect me on
the field. And I obviously wanted to be the best
I could be on the field, so I knew that
I had to be the best I can be in academics,
you know, and then a lot of it's just come
(15:33):
you know, the competitive nature.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
You know.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
I always wanted to be the best in the classroom.
I wanted the teacher to be the one that you know,
says I had the best grade, or or compliments me,
or just whatever it is. I wanted to be the best.
And then obviously I knew that I had a huge
impact on my future. Uh not only just the relationships
in the classroom with the people in there and the teachers,
but also you know that that degree means something. And
(15:58):
then I had, you know, big means of hopefully being
an oral surgeon one day. And I knew that I
had to be a top performer in my class to
even get accepted into dental school. So that was another
driving passion for me.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
So how does that play a part and community?
Speaker 2 (16:16):
So we're talking about how it plays apart in your
studying and preparation and how you focus in on the game.
How does that play a part in the community, because
wanting to be a dental surgeon, that's communal, that's that's
community driven. And you'll have you know, at some point,
whether i'd assume whether you play pro or not, if
those are your admirations and ambitions. You'll probably end up
(16:38):
doing something to that effect. How does community play a
part in Jackson's life?
Speaker 5 (16:44):
Yeah, I think, you know, treating others how they want
to be treated is the biggest thing. But I've been
blessed in so many ways, you know, the community here
in Las Vegas, and then obviously I was in Fabel
before this, but I've just loved on me and given
me everything that I've wished for, you know, starting with
the fans and then just even the people around the building.
Speaker 4 (17:08):
So it was, you know, my.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
Will or duty to give back. And there's nothing better,
There's no better feeling. It doesn't matter how many interceptions
or shacks or just putting a smile on somebody's face is.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
You know, it's unbeatable. Helping somebody out.
Speaker 5 (17:22):
That's what that really fills me up, you know, That's
what That's what Sue's the soul is to help out people.
There's a lot of people that need it. You know,
I'm obviously in a blessed situation and I've had many
people that have reached out and helped me. So you know,
I can do if if I can do anything, I
want to help people, you know, give back.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Love that, love that, and that's how that's how it
all works. So let's let's talk about I mean, you're
you're a tall backer. Like you're you're tall, You're a
good sized backer, and and the way the game is changing,
you know, it's you got to be able to stop
the run, but you got to be able to run.
You got to be able to run and coverage. As
(18:04):
you mentioned, you got one and man to man being
at standing at six'. Three what do you feel like
are the advantages for you and what it is that
you bring to the, Table because, ultimately if you're putting
in the work and you're putting in the, time and
you have the physical attributes to go along with what
it is that you're putting, in you, know with the
(18:24):
study and the time to understand what your opponent is,
doing size begins to you, know an athletic ability begins
to play a major, part because, hey If i'm studying
like you And i'm preparing like, you But i'm more
physically gifted than you, are there's going to be some
problems for y'all on the other side of the. Ball
how does that play a part and what do you
(18:45):
look at your size and play your, size or you
a guy that plays a smaller style of, game like more,
quick more, cheetah like.
Speaker 1 (18:52):
Like what's what's your?
Speaker 5 (18:54):
Game, Yeah i've watched so much film ON nfl. LINEBACKERS
i love Watching, warner and THEN i also like Watching Dre.
Greenlaw they're on the same team and they're so. Different
they play such a different style of. Ball and then
there's also many other people That i've obviously watched and
had the pleasure of playing, behind And i've tried to
(19:15):
take everything from from. EVERYBODY i want to be a
little bit Like Dre, greenlaw but, also you, know want
to be Like Fred, warner AND i try to mix and.
Match SO i wouldn't say That i'm there's anything, specific
but man IF i can soak up, anything and JUST
i like to Say i'm really aggressive, downhill really. Instinctive
And i've had to work on zone. Covers that was
(19:37):
a big THING i worked on in the off season
was my zone. Drops AND i always told, coach you,
know that's that's the biggest THING i need to, understand
is just more of the concepts or route concepts you
can drop in his. Zone but you got to know
if there's something come behind you or what they're trying to,
do especially nowadays they're trying to pick on, linebackers you,
know drop something in front of you because something's coming
right behind.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
You that's.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
RIGHT a lot of, IT i think is OBVIOUSLY i
don't look at my size too.
Speaker 4 (19:59):
Much more is Just i'm gonna.
Speaker 5 (20:01):
One b you, know outstudy, you out game plan, you
and then no one's gonna work physical.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
Yet, yeah no one physical.
Speaker 5 (20:09):
Yet no one's gonna work, harder and no one's, gonna you,
know knockheads Like i'm gonna.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
Knockheads you.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
KNOW i love. IT i love.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
It, Okay so the name of this podcast is good
in The. Game what has the game of? Football because
this is all about what's good about? Football what's great about,
football the experiences that you're able to, have the, outlets the,
exposure it's so many different things that the, game just
character building or. Perseverance what has the game of football
(20:40):
represented to? You what is the good of the Good
For Jackson, Woodard.
Speaker 4 (20:45):
It's given me my.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
Life.
Speaker 5 (20:47):
MAN i can't really describe HOW i feel When i'm
not playing this. Game you, know When i'm on that,
field even practice that's WHERE i feel at, Home that's
WHERE i feel, safe that's WHERE i feel my. Best
just it's IT'S i don't, Know i'm addicted to. IT
i can't get enough of. It just the brother you,
(21:08):
know the brothers in the locker. Room, uh they mean
everything to. Me you, KNOW i could even get emotional
talking about the game of. FOOTBALL i JUST i can't
get enough of. It it's taught, me taught me. Everything
it teaches me how to treat, others you, know even
outside of the. Game it treats me how to never,
quit never give. Up you, know there's ups and downs
of this game that can that can really shape who you.
(21:28):
Are BUT i could go.
Speaker 4 (21:31):
On it's it's given me, everything, Man it's it's my.
Speaker 5 (21:33):
Life it's ALL i think, about ALL i care, about
keeps me up at, Night IT'S i love.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
It you're six and. Two what's what's how do you
finish out the? Season what what's the goal of the
year for you and for the.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
Guys, yeah obviously we got we got four coming, up
and it's you already said, it finish in all capital,
letters you, know it's you, know time waits. On no,
man we got twenty seven. Days it's time to. Go
we're starving for that next. Opportunity, man can't wait to
get back on the.
Speaker 4 (22:03):
Field.
Speaker 5 (22:04):
Uh we gotta be. Detailed keep our habits of winning.
Habits it's a long. Season we got to keep. Them
but obviously to go ten and. Two hopefully we get
a rematch in the, championship and then you, know after
after the, championship whatever whatever happens with the with the
playoffs and the bowl, game that'll that'll. Happen you, know
can't get worried about. That that's not in our.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
Control so, Yeah i'm with. YOU i was wondering if
he was going to bring up the.
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Playoff hopefully y'all can get, it, Man hopefully y'all finished out.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Strong y'all can get.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
It.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
SURE i wish you.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
Luck my.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
God That's Jackson, woodard finalist for The Campbell. Trophy The
campbell is The. Campbell it's, prestigious it means a, lot it's,
dope and my Guy jackson is up for. It we
appreciate you coming, on, man and we appreciate all of
you logging in and listening and checking out everything that's
(22:58):
good in the. Game AS i, mentioned make sure you
check out not only What jackson is doing on the,
field but, hey check him out and everything else that he's.
Doing are you on social what's your social?
Speaker 1 (23:09):
Handle?
Speaker 5 (23:10):
Instagram I'm Jackson, Underscore Underscore ward and Then i'll the.
Speaker 4 (23:14):
REST i don't, Know, twitter something down something.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Damn look them, up look them, up follow, them give
them a shout, out give them a pat on the,
back give them a little. Encouragement. Man we really appreciate
you coming on to the, show my.
Speaker 4 (23:28):
Guy, yeah appreciate luck to. You thanks, indeed all, right
you'd be.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
Good check check us out at, YouTube check everything out
that we're doing podcast, wise because we're doing it to
tell you why football is good for, you your, family
and your. Community it's good in the, game. Y'all I'm LeVar.
Arrington appreciate you tuning. In make sure you check out
all the. Episodes we got a lot of guys coming,
(23:53):
on some really really, good good guests THAT i get
an opportunity to talk. To so make sure you stay
locked in and doubt then all right until next, TIME
Nff National Football, Foundation good in the.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Game we're out
Fox Sports Radio News
Host
Jonas Knox
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