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The Missouri running back is no stranger to being the underdog, and it is what motivates him every day on his route to the NFL Draft.
Cody Schrader lacks Derrick Henry’s stature and Jahmyr Gibbs’ speed, but he compensates with an incredible work ethic, which is the value he brings to the next level. He lit up the SEC last season, leading the conference in running yards and earning first-team AP All-America accolades.
That’s even more impressive given that Schrader started as a walk-on with the Tigers. Everyone knew about his vision and speed as a runner, but he only caught 22 passes from the backfield in 2023. Schrader’s fate was still unknown heading into Saturday’s Senior Bowl, but he delivered during the game.
Schrader had five receptions for 54 yards, both game highs. His performance sparked questions about his potential as a weapon out of the backfield. Schrader felt at ease doing it, too, because a handful of Tigers were on his team, and his family and girlfriend were in attendance at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Schrader was happy for the opportunity to compete against the best of the best, speak with NFL management, and form lifetime friendships while in Mobile. Most importantly, Schrader is proud of his path and hopes to be an inspiration to all youngsters who have been treated as underdogs.
“My biggest thing is that you just never let anybody tell you that you can’t do something, and that you never give up,” Schrader was quoted as saying. “You have to put in the work that matches the dreams that you have, and you have to sacrifice a lot of stuff that other people don’t.”
The St. Louis native has paid his dues and started at the bottom. Schrader ran for more than 2,000 yards at Truman State, a Division II program. He walked-on at Missouri and thrived under Eliah Drinkwitz’s system. Schrader gained 2,372 yards on the ground and scored 23 rushing touchdowns during his two seasons with the Tigers. That’s why he’s grateful to Drinkwitz for giving him a shot, and he literally seized the opportunity.
“Those opportunities never came until I finally got the opportunity to walk-on at Mizzou, but all I needed was an opportunity,” said the student-athlete. “All I needed was a chance to get on a team at the big Division I level, and that’s what Mizzou gave me, and that’s why I will always be grateful.”
Schrader’s five-foot-eight, 207-pound frame will make him difficult for taller linebackers and defensive linemen to find at the point of attack. He demonstrated his blocking abilities in three scrimmages leading up to the Senior Bowl.
There’s no denying Schrader gained some momentum following Saturday. The value and longevity of running backs in the NFL have declined dramatically in recent years, but Schrader is determined to make his mark in the league. Nothing, not even distractions, will stop him from achieving his childhood aspirations.
At the end of the day, Schrader knows what comes with the territory.
“I had to sacrifice everything, relationships, friendships, money to walk-on, and I just always looked at it as an investment in myself, but always wanted to do the opposite of what the majority of people are doing, and that’s the secret to my success.”
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