'09 CA RB Cierre Wood (ND Verbal 4/19/08)

[ND=NC]

Originally Posted by Junkhead

Not to take anything away from either of them, but Darius Walker had 46tds his season year. Anyway, Wood seems like he will pair well with Jonas Gray, thunder and lightning or something.

Not to say that Darius wasn't a good back and his numbers were quite gaudy, but Cierre is on a who new playing field than him coming out of high school. Cierre's numbers aren't gaudy they are down right insane. This kid is the game breaker that ND hasn't been able to pull in in a long time. If what everyone is saying is true his Jr film will be on par with dare I say it Reggie Bush. He is that good

Cierre's Jr season stats

197 total touches 42 tds

176 Carries
2612 yds WTF
34 tds

7 catches
191 yds
2 tds


7 punt returns
373 yds (53yds per return?)
4 tds

7 kick off returns
307 yds (43yds per return?)
2 tds

he also had 63 tackles, 3 int's on defense and 20 punts with a 40 yard average

[piyachi]

Did a little searching for some video of him:

WeAreSC.com - Video: RB Cierre Wood

The video quality isn't great but you can start to see more of why he is ranked as such an elite player (other than the impressive offers).

It's interesting how he seems to be their punter... it allows them to go for the first down A LOT. Even when he does punt it away he has a 40 yd average, which is not exactly shabby. Makes me wonder if Charlie would use him in that role - maybe line him up as either the punter if we were across the 50 or alongside the punter for a possible direct-snap.

From watching him it seems what he has more than speed or power is vision and some tough-to-see moves. He just makes tacklers miss.


Great job by the staff of again getting someone that is not only a phenomenal athlete but also smart and someone with good character. Doesn't hurt that he is also the highest rated RB we have landed (potentially) in over a decade. Aldridge, Allen, Hughes, Gray, and Wood.... what a great group.

[BDIrish4ever]

Welcome aboard, Cierre!

[ND=NC]

Originally Posted by piyachi

Did a little searching for some video of him:

WeAreSC.com - Video: RB Cierre Wood

The video quality isn't great but you can start to see more of why he is ranked as such an elite player (other than the impressive offers).

It's interesting how he seems to be their punter... it allows them to go for the first down A LOT. Even when he does punt it away he has a 40 yd average, which is not exactly shabby. Makes me wonder if Charlie would use him in that role - maybe line him up as either the punter if we were across the 50 or alongside the punter for a possible direct-snap.

From watching him it seems what he has more than speed or power is vision and some tough-to-see moves. He just makes tacklers miss.


Great job by the staff of again getting someone that is not only a phenomenal athlete but also smart and someone with good character. Doesn't hurt that he is also the highest rated RB we have landed (potentially) in over a decade. Aldridge, Allen, Hughes, Gray, and Wood.... what a great group.

I sucked it up today and purchased a one month membership on scout.com so I see this coveted jr video of him. I shit you not, there was not one of those plays on his highlight film. That film is pretty stacked. I would guess that he is the best athlete to come into the program since the Rocket. If you get a chance to see the video there is a run where he spins on a safety and it looks like he's being shot out of a cannon. Its absolutely amazing how he kept his feet.

[IHateMarkMay]

Per ESPN:

ESPN 150 Watch List athlete Cierre Wood talked about his recent commitment to Notre Dame with the Ventura County Star.
"Their academic standards are high. They graduate over 98-percent of their students."
Wood also asked the coaching staff if he would redshirt as a freshman and was told that probably won't be the case, "They aren't afraid to play young guys. I will get my chance."

Additionally, ESPN's Billy Tucker described Wood's skills and how he'll fit in with the Irish, "Wood is arguably one of the better athletes in this class and there is no denying his high school rushing production. Great land for the Irish in terms getting an excellent skill prospect, but we are not certain he is the game changing back the Irish have been looking for."
"Actually, we are not sold on the high-cut Wood as a true in-line running back, and think he may be more productive at the next level utilizing his great receiving skills in the slot or his excellent range at safety."
"Notre Dame finished with a top-10 recruiting class in 2008 and landed a major prospect today (Saturday) as it begins to build it nucleus for 2009."
"Wood chose ND over in-state UCLA and the Bruins close proximity to home. While early, the decision must sting newly hired UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel a bit as he tries to land his first offensive recruit and top-tier prospect for 2009."

[IrishGrizz]

Woo Hoo. Now you can see espn starting to find any chinks in the armor and getting reasons to drop his ratings. Let em eat cake.

[mikejND]

Hey, if you guys go over on IE there is free video on him, I think it's part of their amp piece.