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Cody O’Connell (6-8, 330) Offensive Lineman Wenatchee Class of 2013
Army All-American Combine Invitee , 2nd-Team All CBBN 4A OL
Three Sport Athlete (Football, Basketball, Track & Field)
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/879452/cody-oconnell
Skill position players get all of the recognition and always have when it comes to the game of football. Every kid grows up dreaming of throwing, running or catching a touchdown pass in the big game. To the average football fan it makes sense, we all love the instant gratification of seeing highlight runs and great hook-ups between QB & WR. When you open up Saturday’s paper after a Friday night of high school football, you will probably see pictures of skill players and mentions of the guys who had good games statistically. Rarely do we ever focus our attention on how these big plays were created which is a shame. Let me be the first to tell you, the game of football is won in the trenches with the O-Line and D-Line.
Wenatchee’s Jr. Offensive Lineman Cody O’Connell is a one man wrecking crew at 6-8, 335 pounds. During last season’s camp circuit, O’Connell established himself as one of the top lineman on the west coast. During the 2011 season the Wenatchee Panthers went 5-5 which they hope to improve upon during 2012. O’Connell has the pleasure of blocking for Sophomore burner Isiah Brandt-Sims who won the Washington 4A 100m & 200m dash as a frosh, making them one of the top duos in the state.
NEI TV had the pleasure of catching up with Cody during the Army All-American combine in San Antonio last month. Taylor Barton mentioned that Cody is all of 6-8, 335 pounds with room to grow, which is scary. The main thing that stands out about Cody and his size is how quick and fast he actually is. After watching his film I was immediately struck by O’Connell’s ability to get downfield to the 2nd and 3rd levels to block LB’s and DB’s. Having a motor is a must to be a great lineman, that’s what coaches look for.
O’Connell is also a three-sport start, he plays F/C for the Wenatchee Panthers basketball team and he throws the shot put for the track & field squad. His athleticism is not of question. The only question is whether he will play guard or tackle at the next level which is a great problem to have. With lineman being of such value to college program’s, Cody should have no problem earning himself a college scholarship. Skill players come a dime a dozen but great lineman are the prizes of recruiting classes. We look forward to seeing Cody on the combine and camp circuit this spring/summer.
