
ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - In what is merely a formality, Mizzou running back Cody Schrader has announced Thursday afternoon he is declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
"It was a dream of mine as a kid to be a Missouri Tiger," Schrader wrote in a statement on his X, formerly known as Twitter. "I want to thank all the Mizzou Fans for standing by us. Thank you for pouring into me and our team this season. It was our goal to restore the brotherhood and put Mizzou back on top."
The announcement was merely a formality for Schrader, who ran out of eligibility. However, Schrader made sure his last season as a Missouri Tiger was one of the most memorable.
The Truman State-product and former walk-on had one of the best seasons by a running back in the country, with Schrader's 1,676 yards on the round the third most rushing yards in the country, only behind Oklahoma State running back and Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon and Troy running back Kimani Vidal.
Schrader's 14 rushing touchdowns were tied for 15th in the nation, tied with the likes of Georgia's Kendall Milton, Florida State's Trey Benson and Memphis' Blake Watson.
For Schrader efforts this season, he earned All-Americans along with winning the Burlsworth Trophy, which is given to the nation's top walk-on.
Schrader will be the sixth Missouri Tiger at the moment to turn pro, along with defensive backs Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Kris Abrams-Draine and J.C. Carlies, defensive lineman Darius Robinson and Nyles Gaddy.
Some draft websites like Walter Football has Schrader projected as a Day 3 draftee, though any good performance during the NFL Combine, Senior Bowl Mizzou's Pro Day could swing him up draft boards.