Danny Woodhead
School: North Platte High School, Neb.
The talent of Patriots running back Danny Woodhead was recognized pretty early on at North Platte High School in Nebraska. One of his assistant coaches, Bob McFarland, had played for Nebraska, winning a national championship in 1970 as a defensive back and had went toe-to-toe with teammate and Heisman trophy winner Johnny Rodgers.
He says Woodhead was a better athlete than Rodgers.
"[Danny Woodhead] is probably one of the best kids I've ever known," said McFarland, who is a close family friend and coached Woodhead as well as his father. "He's modest, humble, you just can't put it into better terms. He was just an All-American kid.
"I think he just had a competitive nature. His brother Ben was a good athlete as well. His brother Ben was a very good example for him."
Woodhead, who stands (on his tippy-toes) at 5-foot-8, has better strength than Rodgers.
"Johnny and Danny were exceptionally fast, quick, and can change directions," McFarland said. "But Danny has the strength."
Courtesy of North Platte High School
