Eli Drinkwitz: Stop making Cody Schrader 'feel good story,' start Heisman campaign

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz was unequivocal in his postgame assessment of Cody Schrader after the Tigers thrashed Arkansas in the season finale. Drinkwitz thinks his tailback should a Heisman contender or finalist.

Following a 200-plus yard outing from Schrader, Drinkwitz made his feelings known with CBS Sports’ Amanda Guerra. He doesn’t think the feel-good nature of Schrader’s story should overshadow his excellence.

“Let’s start talking about putting him up for the Heisman for the best player in the country. He just rushed for 200 yards tonight. He’s been doing it consistently in the SEC, we’re a Top 10 team, he’s the best back in the country. Let’s quit making it about being a feel good story, he’s a hell of a player. That’s what it’s about. He’s a hell of a player, he deserves to be talked about for the Heisman trophy,” Drinkwitz said.

Schrader’s story has become well-traveled by know: No Division I offers out of high school, ended up at Division II Truman State before a booster recommended the back to Drinkwitz. Then, after walking on a few years ago, Schrader has steadily risen the depth chart to the point of starring in the offense in 2023.

And amid his breakout season, Drinkwitz thinks Schrader has played his way into Heisman contention.

Schrader is up to 1489 rushing yards after capping his regular season with 217 on 27 carries against the Razorbacks. He also scored a touchdown on Friday, his 13th on the year. He’s virtually guaranteed to finish as the SEC’s leading rusher this year as the Tigers have gone 10-2 and are ranked in the Top 10.

But for Schrader, he’s just thankful to have found a safe harbor in Division I ball. He reflected on how he’s been welcomed into the fold with his team, making life that much easier as he stars on the field.

“This is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time and to have this team, have this crowd, have these fans. I love everybody on this team and they’ve welcomed me with open arms since Day 1,” Schrader said.

He reflected on the journey from no Division I offers to being the SEC’s leading rusher and the message he’d deliver to his high school self — and, it seems, plenty of others.

“Keep working, keep trying, because if I can make a way, you can make a way as well,” Schrader said.