College Football

Cody, a 6'5", 270-pound junior, has been one of the most consistent members of Oklahoma's relentless defense, which didn't allow an offensive touchdown in a 52-9 rout of No. 15 Oklahoma State on Saturday. His three first-half sacks all came at key moments—the first forced a fumble from Cowboys quarterback Josh Fields that led to an Oklahoma field goal, and the other two both stopped drives.

Sooners co-defensive coordinator Mike Stoops calls Cody the most improved player on his defense. "He's always had natural speed-rushing instincts, and now he's added technique," says Stoops. "He's gone from good to great."

Cody doesn't get as much recognition as some of the Sooners' other defensive stalwarts—including tackle Tommie Harris, linebacker Teddy Lehman and defensive back Derrick Strait—and he certainly wouldn't think of calling attention to himself. Asked for a description of his first sack, he said, "The offensive lineman fell down, or forgot to block me, or something."

While his teammates are sure to gather individual awards at season's end, the only hardware that Cody is interested in are the Big 12 and national championship trophies. "Those are the only ones that really matter," he says. However, Cody did get to take home one individual award after his outstanding play on Saturday—a game ball.
—Phil Taylor

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