Football ICYMI: Dell: Former Palmetto High coach Ray Woodie named USF defensive coordinator

[Brad]

Former Palmetto High coach Ray Woodie named USF defensive coordinator

By ALAN DELL adell@bradenton.com

 

TAMPA -- When University of South Florida head football coach Willie Taggart unexpectedly learned Friday he would have to hire a new defensive coordinator he knew exactly where to look.

Ray Woodie was Taggart's right-hand man during Western Kentucky's turnaround and this past season for USF.

The conversation was brief and there was no hesitation on the part of either.

"He basically pulled me into his office and told me I am going to be the guy," Woodie said. "Coach Taggart is big on promotion, especially if you do your job. I am just grateful he gave me the opportunity. One of my major goals is be a coordinator and, hopefully, one day a head coach."

Taggart said he had no second thoughts about Woodie and no doubt about him being able to handle the challenge.

"It didn't take long to identify coach Woodie as the right person to lead our defense," Taggart said. "He has done a great job of developing a strong linebacker unit over the past three years, and his positive impact on our special teams was very evident last year."

The promotion makes the Manatee County connection to the USF football program even stronger though Taggart will tell you that is not the reason he named Woodie to head the defense.

"Woodie has tremendously strong relationships with our players, great knowledge of our system and is well prepared to lead our defense," Taggart said.

Both have made their impact on Manatee County football. Taggart quarterbacked Manatee High School to two state championship games and won the state title his junior year under Hall of Fame coach Joe Kinnan, who is an assistant on the USF staff.

Woodie played at Palmetto and was head coach there and after ....

 

Rest of story

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/sports/college/university-of-south-florida/article55128535.html#storylink=cpy

[ArmyBull]

Nice story.  Sounds like he will work well with the players.  However, if he was so great and has been following CWT around for the last number of years, why was Allen hired in the first place?  

[raptorcj]

Big shoes to fill, but I'm glad we won't have to change up the D scheme again. Having someone already familiar with the players is a plus.

[smazza]

my money is on the new guy

[GaUSFBull]

17 hours ago, ArmyBull said:

Nice story.  Sounds like he will work well with the players.  However, if he was so great and has been following CWT around for the last number of years, why was Allen hired in the first place?  

It could be as simple as CWT didn't think he was quite ready for it last year.  I imagine we'll never know the reason.