Former Mizzou Star, Cody Schrader, Drafted by Battlehawks

Just a year removed from his breakout season with the Missouri Tigers, Cody Schrader has now been selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the second round of the UFL draft. This is definitely an interesting move, drafting the UFL rights to Schrader, despite him having signed a UDFA deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Battlehawks used pick No. 13 on Schrader. This came as a surprise to some, but it's actually a pretty common move for UFL teams to select UDFA NFL players in the first couple of rounds. Drafting their rights ensures that if they don't play in the NFL, they'll be able to join the UFL organization that selected them.

Schrader was one-of-five NFL players selected in the first 13 picks. The other included Jason Bean, No. 1 overall to Memphis (Indianapolis Colts), John Rhys Plumlee, No. 3 overall to Arlington (Pittsburgh Steelers), Blake Watson, No. 9 overall to Memphis (Denver Broncos), and Kedon Slovis, No. 12 overall to D.C. (Indianapolis Colts).

Who is Cody Schrader?

Schrader is coming off a career season at Mizzou, where he set the single season program rushing record, compiling 1,627 rushing yards. This signature season saw Schrader rack up a number of accolades, winning the 2023 Burlsworth Trophy Winner, being named a Doak Walker Award Finalist, and being named 2023 First-Team All-American by the AP and CBS Sports/247 Sports.

Schrader came on to the scene in 2023, leading the team in rushing with 746 yards and nine touchdowns across 13 games, 11 of which he started. Despite a couple big games, opportunities were few and far between on a very mediocre offense. All things considered, this was a big season for Schrader, showing he could compete with SEC level defenses.

Prior to his time at Mizzou, Schrader was not recruited out of high school, and played three seasons at Truman State. A native of St. Louis, he stayed close to home and put on a show for the Division-II school. Against all odds, Schrader continued to battle and eventually transferred to Mizzou after his junior year.

It's only fitting that he was drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks, as if the NFL doesn't work out, the hometown hero will play professionally in the Lou. As for now, Schrader will continue tackling obstacles and attempt to play his way into the mix in a loaded San Francisco backfield.