:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35423584/Wdgym7Z.0.png)
Cody Waldrop
Redshirt Sophomore Center
6’2", 315 lbs.
Seffner, FL
Recruitment:
3 stars, 6th-ranked center in the 2012 class
Other offers: Georgia, Miami (FL), North Carolina, Tennessee
College Career:
After redshirting in 2012, much hype surrounded the young center entering the 2013 season. He was poised to take over for four year starter TJ Johnson, perhaps beginning how own streak that could rival Johnson's. But that ship sailed quickly as Waldrop suffered a foot injury in last year's season that would sideline him for the next two games, then a separate ankle injury that held him out for five more. Fellow freshman Clayton Stadnik stepped in while Waldrop healed, performing well enough to create something of a center controversy. Waldrop reclaimed his starting role against Florida and didn't relinquish it for the remainder of the season.
2014 Outlook:
The Gamecocks enter 2014 with two semi-proven centers and a potential need at right guard. Might Cody Waldrop, whose ceiling is probably higher than Stadnik's, slide up into that RG spot? It's enough of a possibility for it to be mentioned in Waldrop's official biography. But wasn't Cody Waldrop just named to the Rimington Watch List, an award for the nation's best center? Would we really move a Rimington hopeful to right guard? And isn't Na'Ty Rodgers gunning for the right guard spot? The answer to all these questions is, "Well yeah" and serves as a reminder of just how deep this offensive line is.
Trivia:
Wins an award I just made up called "Player Whose Name Sounds Most Like That of a NASCAR Driver", narrowly edging Elliott Fry.