Q&A: Artrell Woods, Oklahoma State receiver

Spring football

Published: March 16, 2008

I wish I could do it right now. That hit I took (Friday in practice) didn't even hurt. I keep telling them to give me an orange jersey (for full contact) and they can keep the green one (off limits to contact). But they aren't going to let me do that.

Did that hit in Friday's practice concern you?

Not at all. It made me even more fearless. I just want to be cut loose. I'm looking forward (to June) when they don't hold me back.

There have been reports you're as fast as you were before you underwent back surgery. Is that true?

Not really. I don't feel I am. I'm just a couple of steps off. I know I'll be just as fast. I'm actually trying to be faster.

How many letters have you received the past eight months since your weight room accident?

There have been so many I can't even guess how many. People wrote letters, notes and sent cards. I really appreciated it. It kept me going.

What stands out most from everything you've received?

Coach (Mark) Richt from Georgia. He sent me a ball autographed by their whole team right after I got out of the hospital.

How difficult was the rehabilitation process?

It was real hard. I first had to re-strengthen my one leg that was most affected. Then when you finally get to start running you have to do all that conditioning. I just took it one step at a time.

When did you realize that playing football this season was realistic?

On Jan. 17 when they cleared me to run again.

By Mike Baldwin

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