SMETHPORT — After helping the Hubbers to their most successful season in nearly two decades, Smethport’s Ian Woodruff has been rewarded with another impressive triumph: continuing his football career at the next level
Woodruff, a standout lineman on both sides of the ball, announced on social media over the weekend that he’s committed to playing football at Division II Lock Haven University next season.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to attend the University that I fell in love with this summer during camps,” Woodruff said in announcing his decision.
According to westernpafootball.net, Woodruff is the first Hubber to play college ball since running back Ryan Stratton went to Division III Geneva in 2013.
“We are happy that Ian has earned the opportunity to extend his academic and football career at Lock Haven University,” Smethport head coach Adam Jack said in a text to the Era. “After suffering a knee injury that cost him his junior year, he worked very hard to come back and be a leader in his senior season.”
Woodruff, listed at 6-5, 250 pounds coming into his senior season, registered 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks on the defensive side of the ball, and also helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for one of the more dominant rushing attacks in all of District 9 last year.
“I chose Lock Haven because it felt like home,” Woodruff said Monday. “I love the campus and the town. I first knew it was the place for me when coach (Marshall) Hall, the defensive line coach, was yelling at the prospects at summer camp.”
“I’ve had constant contact with the coaches through the recruiting process and have developed a great relationship with them. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to play for them and earn a degree from LHU.”
After three consecutive 3-6 seasons, the Hubbers put together an undefeated regular season (9-0) and advanced to the D-9 Class A title game against Coudersport.
“(Ian) played a key role in the turnaround of our program and obviously was a huge part of our success on both sides of the ball,” Jack added.
The Bald Eagles are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), playing against the likes of Clarion University, Gannon, and Shippensburg.
