Missouri RB Cody Schrader has had quite the interesting journey on his path to the NFL. Initially playing in Division II, Schrader’s performance earned him a role at a major Division I program, where he was able to excel and make himself a legitimate NFL Draft prospect. Let’s take a look at how he got to where he is today.
Where Did Cody Schrader’s Football Career Start?
Schrader went to high school at Lutheran South in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the most prolific running back in his school’s history, breaking records for touchdowns, carries, rushing yards, and total yards. He also led his school in all-time points and tackles.
Schrader was named to the All-Conference team four times at both running back and linebacker. He was a three-time All-Conference Player of the Year.
Schrader’s accomplishments extended to the state level as well. He was second-team All-State twice. In his senior year of high school, he finally earned first-team All-State honors.
With records galore, one might think Schrader would get noticed — quite the contrary. Schrader didn’t receive a single offer.
Revisiting Schrader’s College Career
Truman State
Schrader’s college career began a long, long time ago. Way back in 2018, Schrader redshirted. He got his real start in 2019, carrying the ball 96 times for 605 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 30 receptions for 231 yards and another score. He played 12 games.
As a junior (redshirt sophomore), Schrader’s season was completely messed up by the pandemic. Many Division II schools didn’t even have a season. While it’s great that Schrader got to play, he only appeared in four games. Nevertheless, Schrader made those four games count, ripping off 405 yards and seven touchdowns on 83 carries.
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Schrader’s senior year (redshirt junior) at Truman State was when he finally put it all together. He carried the ball 300 times for 2,074 yards and 25 touchdowns in 12 games played. Schrader added 22 receptions for 214 yards and a touchdown through the air.
While Schrader had completed four years of college, it’s difficult to get drafted from a Division II program. Sure, he tore it up his senior year. But the level of competition is a far cry from Division I, let alone the NFL. As a result, Schrader wanted to prove he could perform at the highest level of college football.
Schrader chose to continue his college football career at Missouri.
Missouri
There are plenty of Division II superstars who couldn’t hack it at the D-I level. As a walk-on at Missouri, Schrader was promised nothing. Yet, he made his presence felt.
In his redshirt senior season in 2022, Schrader played in 13 games, carrying the ball 170 times for 745 yards and nine touchdowns. He continued to show his proficiency through the air, hauling in 19 passes for 137 yards and another two scores.
Mizzou's Norris Stevenson Athlete of the Year is Cody Schrader!#MIZ🐯 #ROARS24 pic.twitter.com/J15Scr0uLB
— Mizzou Athletics (@MizzouAthletics) April 23, 2024
Due to the extra year of eligibility granted to all active college football players from the 2020 season, Schrader was able to return for a sixth year. This is when Schrader really put himself on the national stage.
As the clear lead back, Schrader handled 276 carries, amassing 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns. He added 22 receptions for 191 yards as a receiver. After six years of school, Schrader declared for the NFL Draft.
Schrader’s Potential in the NFL
It’s easy to root for a guy like Schrader to make it at the highest level. Unfortunately, he will be fighting an uphill battle.
For starters, Schrader will be 25 years old before he plays a regular-season game. That’s what happens when you spend six years at college.
While Schrader undoubtedly has the tenacity and work ethic to want to succeed, there are physical limitations that he may not be able to overcome. Schrader ran a 4.61 40 time, which at 5’9″, 202 pounds, puts the undersized back’s speed score in the 26th percentile.
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Schrader is an incredibly smart player with a high football IQ, but if he’s not fast or explosive enough to run through rapidly closing NFL holes or outrun NFL linebackers, none of that will matter.
On a positive note, Schrader comes with a ton of experience and offers utility in all phases. He can be effective as both a runner and receiver.
Schrader is going to get drafted but likely not until Day 3 (and more likely later on Day 3). Much like he did in his college career, Schrader will have to work his way from the bottom up to even make an NFL roster.
Highlights, Records, and More
Despite not being a top prospect, Schrader accumulated quite the set of accomplishments while at college.
At Truman State, Schrader was second-team All-GLVC in 2019, and first-team in 2020 and 2021. He was the GLVC co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 as well.
After transferring to Missouri, the accolades didn’t stop. Schrader was first-team All-SEC in 2023 and a Consensus All-American. CFN named Schrader to its second-team All-American Offense in 2023 as well. He also won the Burlsworth Trophy, which is essentially the walk-on MVP award.
Schrader leaves Missouri as the holder of its single-season rushing yards record. He’s also the only player in SEC history to rush for 200 yards and reach 100 yards receiving in the same game.
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