The finer details: Caleb Woodson’s approach to athletics

BLACKSBURG – Linebacker Caleb Woodson has been a defensive force for the Hokies during the past two seasons. Whether the junior is lined up in the middle or on the outside of the illustrious Lunch Pail Defense, his impact has been felt through big tackles and even bigger moments against opposing offenses. Yet, Woodson’s athletic journey didn’t start on the gridiron. It started in the swimming pool. 

“[Swimming] was something my older brother did,” says Woodson. “My parents threw me in the pool when I was young, around five [years old]. It was in the family; we all swam.” 

Woodson, who now stands at a towering 6-foot-3, has been molded by a competitive fire that was instilled at a young age. Even in the pool, Woodson recalls competing at the Junior Olympics, facing swimmers from across the country at the University of Maryland. 

“That was real fun,” reflecting on his Junior Olympics career in the water. “You were competing with people across the East Coast. It was good competition.”  

Swimming is arguably one of the most technical sports, its ceiling defined by the precision and technique of the athletes in the pool. The technicality, said Woodson, has transferred over to football. 

After stepping out of a six-year career in the water in favor of other sports, Woodson would go on to attend Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Virginia. As a high school freshman, he elected to forego the pool for a glove and bat, playing centerfield for the Bobcats for a year until the COVID-19 pandemic began to surface.  

The pandemic allowed Woodson to realize that football was where his passion for competition was truly found. A three-year letterman under coach Greg Hatfield, the former Bobcat saw his game flourish, especially on the defensive end. 

As a captain in his senior year, Woodson recorded a staggering 115 tackles (20 TFLs), five sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on the way to a 2022 Cedar Run District title. He was also named a three-time VHSL All-Region 6B and All-Cedar Run District First Team defensive back at the close of his high school career, earning an impressive cumulative record of 28-4 during his time as a Bobcat.  

Plenty of eyes were on Woodson coming out of high school. Ranked a three-star recruit by On3, Rivals, and ESPN alongside a top 50 recruit from Virginia by 247Sports, it was apparent a slew of Division I programs wanted the Haymarket native. Virginia Tech was one of those programs. 

“Virginia Tech was my first offer under [the] recruiting process,” said Woodson. “I would say that had a big thing to do with [my decision] because I had a relationship with these coaches before any other coaches.” 

Woodson’s relationship with the Hokie coaches, combined with his proximity to family in Haymarket, led to his decision. “I can hop in the car for three and a half hours and get [home],” reflected the linebacker.  

In his first season in Blacksburg, he recorded 22 tackles, over half being solo efforts, along with 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry. Woodson saw a significant leap in his second year, posting a team-second-highest 72 tackles (26 solo) and 7.5 TFLs. He attributed the jump to a number of changes, but none more important than his change from outside to inside linebacker.  

“I actually moved inside...that was a hard move for me, but a good move,” said Woodson. “I’m starting to flourish and take it to the next level.” 

Film breakdown also allowed him to see his game grow to a high level. Leave it to Woodson, an athlete with experience in the pool, to analyze his film with a level of precision and technicality that separates him from the rest.  

“The film was a big thing for me,” Woodson elaborated. “...Learning how to really dissect and watch film [to] get a key on what other teams were trying to attack.” 

With the conclusion of the annual Spring Game, it’s full steam ahead for Woodson and the Hokies. Outfitted with a pair of first-year coordinators, Virginia Tech Football is looking to achieve another year of growth with some new shot-callers at the helm. 

Woodson and the Hokies will open their season in Atlanta, Georgia, against South Carolina on Aug. 31. The game will be played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making the Week 1 matchup a marquee neutral-site matchup for the Hokies. Be sure to stay connected with Virginia Tech football as yet another exciting season starts this August!