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Logan Woodside is Emerging as Breakout Star

It's come in a small sample, but Logan Woodside of the San Antonio Commanders looks to be one of the AAF's breakout stars after two weeks of game action.
Logan Woodside

Through seven Alliance of American football games, only one team has scored an opening drive touchdown. The quarterback who led that drive may surprise you. No, it’s not Arizona Hotshot quarterback John Wolford, a team many picked to be in Las Vegas in April. And your next guess may be the Orlando Apollos star quarterback Garrett Gilbert, but that’s incorrect, too. You may even strike up the name Luis Perez, the Birmingham Iron quarterback, but not even he could accomplish such a feat. The title belongs to none other than San Antonio Commanders breakout star, Logan Woodside. He is putting the AAF on notice with his impressive play through two games.

Logan Woodside on the Cusp of Stardom

The name Logan Woodside may sound familiar to MAC football fans. Woodside tore up the competition at Toledo University, totaling over 10,000 passing yards, 93 touchdowns, and a 65 percent completion percentage. In his senior season in 2017, Woodside led the Rockets to a 10-2 record and a MAC championship game berth. Following his phenomenal senior season, Woodside was drafted in the 7th round of the NFL Draft to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Cincy coaches saw upside in Woodside. NFL scouts pinned deep ball passing as one of Woodside’s strengths. According to Pro Football Focus, Woodside had the 7th most deep ball passing yards in college football history with 1284 yards. However, Woodside couldn’t survive the roster cuts and found himself off Cincinnati’s roster. Woodside spent a few weeks in September on the Tennessee Titans practice squad but was waived by the end of the month.

Unexpected Starter

The San Antonio Commanders, among other teams, passed on Logan Woodside twice. The Commanders first round QB pick, Dustin Vaughn, displayed better college numbers, totaling 123 touchdowns and over 10,000 passing yards for West Texas A&M. The Commanders 2nd round QB pick, Marquise Williams, is not as impressive throwing wise as the aforementioned quarterbacks. Williams’ dual-threat ability stands out most, as he accounted for 35 rushing touchdowns during his career at the University of North Carolina.

But when it came time for training camp, Woodside emerged as a front-runner to start. And by the time game one rolled around, Woodside ran out the tunnel as the starter. In his debut, although Woodside’s numbers did not look spectacular, his arm talent was on full display. Woodside finished with 255 passing yards and two interceptions, but his poise and decisive decision making stood out the most.

Confidence

Despite the loss to the Orlando Apollos, Woodside shined in his second start. In an offensive shootout, Woodside threw deep balls early and often. Early in the first quarter Woodside hooked up with Demarcus Ayers for a 29-yard gain with an impressive over the shoulder throw. Later in that same drive, Woodside would find tight end Evan Rodriguez for Woodside’s first career AAF touchdown. Woodside finished the game 20 for 39, 223 yards, a touchdown and a pick six that put the Apollos ahead for good.

Despite his steady play for the Commanders, Woodside needs improvement on his short to intermediate passing. Too many times Woodside missed wide open receivers across the middle. Woodside also has a gunslinger mentality, trying to fit passes in small spaces. While the payoff can be tremendous, Woodside has to be careful about taking chances and throwing the ball late to receivers. It certainly cost the Commanders a chance to win the game on the pick six by the Apollos.

Last Word

No one quarterback in the Alliance is perfect. There is a reason why these quarterbacks are in the Alliance, and not the NFL. Logan Woodside may not have the experience Garrett Gilbert posses, or throws the ball as accurately John Wolford. But no one expected Woodside to start, let alone play well. Woodside exudes confidence, and shows a swagger and attitude about himself other quarterbacks in this league don’t. As the season goes along, and Woodside continues to build a rapport with his receivers, expect Woodside to start putting together gaudy numbers. Logan Woodside will become the breakout star the AAF needs, and expected to have when this league was created.

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Devin Jackson

Devin Jackson

My name is Devin Jackson, and I will be writing about my favorite NFL team, the New Orleans Saints. I am an aspiring sports reporter and look to use LWOS as a platform to practice and grow my connections. Do not hesitate to contact me via Twitter, @RealD_Jackson.

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