Arlington Heights And UTSA Standout Tariq Woolen Up For Defensive Player Of The Year

Last Wednesday, the finalists were named for the Associated Press awards. Texas is well represented on the defensive side of the field; notably, former UTSA and Arlington Heights standout Tariq Woolen made the cut for Defensive Rookie Of The Year. 

Woolen ended his rookie campaign tied in interceptions at his position and had the lowest passer rating allowed. 

Woolen started fast and didn’t look back.

In the secondary, Woolen was committed to Seattle’s offseason program, beating out veterans Sidney Jones and Artie Burns to secure a Week 1 starting gig at right cornerback. He earned Pro Bowl selections and a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team. 

At the Texas HS level, the cornerback led Arlington Heights as a senior with 31 receptions for 536 yards and 10 touchdowns as a two-way performer. After redshirting his freshman year, Woolen was part of a UTSA Roadrunner secondary that won their first C-USA championship. 

“I beat a lot of odds and I beat a lot of expectations,” Woolen told Sports Illustrated. “People thought I was gonna be an experiment, I’m still getting better and got stuff to work on, but nobody thought a Pro Bowl, nobody thought I’d lead the league in interceptions, nobody thought I’d be a starter.” 

As per oddsmakers, he is second behind New York Jets cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner to win the award.

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