4-star safety Jaiden Woodbey flips from Ohio State, signs with FSU

College football’s inaugural Early Signing Period ended with a real bang for Florida State in December. Jaiden Woodbey, a four-star California safety, flipped his commitment from Ohio State to FSU and signed with the Seminoles, creating some nice buzz for Florida State heading into National Signing Day on Wednesday.

The No. 4 safety in the country, Woodbey (6’2, 204) had been thought by many to be favoring USC, but he wound up making the call to head southeast instead. Woodbey’s recruitment was a fast and furious one from the ’Noles, who didn’t offer him until December 12. They then got him on campus for an official visit just days later.

So what are the Seminoles getting in Woodbey? Here’s our scouting report on the early enrollee:

Woodbey possesses good size and appears to be well developed in his lower body. He’s an excellent tackler in the open field and running the alley as a force player. He finishes with physicality and does not allow the ball carrier to fall forward. He shows the ability to play in the box, take on and shed blocks, and be effective vs. the run and vs. screen passes to the perimeter.

Woodbey always seems to be in the right position and makes a ton of plays in coverage. He does not have elite speed or range, but it is above average. He appears to play with good instincts and effectively reads the QB from the deep middle of the field. He also showcases excellent hands and ball skills, which resulted in him grabbing a lot of interceptions as a high school defensive back.

Woodbey is one of the better safeties in the country because he does everything well. His presence and effectiveness vs. the run profiles him more as a strong safety, but his hands and instincts in coverage leave open the possibility of him contributing as a free safety or middle of the field player as well.

Here’s a look at Woodbey’s film:

Be sure to check out the latest Nolecast for all of our predictions as to where Florida State’s uncommitted targets will sign on Wednesday: