Mason Woods Talks Iowa Football Offer

Son of Hawkeye Coach Adds Hawkeye Opportunity at Camp

'25 Iowa City (IA) West High Athlete Mason Woods visiting Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 10, 2022. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

Iowa Football offered one of the state's top 2025 prospects following his camp workout Sunday. You could say their relationship had been growing for years. 

Mason Woods, the son of Hawkeye special teams coordinator, LeVar Woods, has proven capable of playing for his father's alma mater. He showed it as an Iowa City West sophomore last fall. The Iowa staff saw it last weekend. 

LeVar Woods lined up at linebacker for Iowa, his senior season of 2000 being the second year for current head coach Kirk Ferentz. LeVar served as team captain and was named All-Big Ten before spending seven seasons in the NFL. 

"It was really a surreal moment, considering that my dad played for coach Ferentz and I had been around the program my whole life," Mason Woods told HN about receiving the Hawkeye Offer. 

The opportunity surprised him. He planned on thanking tight end coach Adbul Hodge for working with him at camp before heading home. Then he was invited to coach Ferentz's office. 

"I kind of knew from there it was going to happen. I went to his office with my family and he offered me. Coach Ferentz said some things that will certainly stick with me," Mason said. 

Now, the Hawkeyes will work to keep him in the family. He already reports scholarship offers from Missouri, Tulsa, Wyoming and South Dakota. Schools like Notre Dame, Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Louisville, Yale and others are showing him interest.

"Most people assume I'm just going to be a Hawkeye automatically after getting an offer, but that is not the case. I'm really just getting started and plan to go through the process like any normal athlete would. I plan to go to camps that I want to and take visits that I want to. I just want to make the best decision for me," he said. 

Woods (6-2, 205) played safety and receiver for Iowa City West last season. He intercepted three passes, including a pick-six, caught 19 passes for 392 yards and two touchdowns, and averaged 25.7 yards on three kick returns. 

His athleticism shines through during his sophomore highlights. He runs very well and shows excellent instincts. He has been offered as a tight end, but could also play safety in college and possibly grow into a linebacker or hybrid. 

While the dynamic in recruiting for he and Mason is an interesting one, LeVar understands that Mason must make the best choice for him. 

"My dad is being super helpful because I don't feel any sort of pressure from him to go to Iowa. He really wants me to do what I want to do and what I feel is best for me and my future," Mason said. 

Whether he ends up staying home or heading elsewhere for college, Mason values his Iowa offer. He understands the Hawkeyes are selective in who they offer. Plus, he was raised rooting for them. 

Mason can compare Iowa to other programs. He has plans to camp with Missouri, Oklahoma and Notre Dame this month. He appreciates bonds he's built with staffs at Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, Wyoming and Tulsa.