Nick Cody (June 17 & July 5, 2007)

 
N2FL:  At what age did you start playing football?
 
N.C.:  I pretty much came out of the womb with a love and interest for football. I started organized flag football after 1st grade, and then tackle after 3rd grade.
 
N2FL:  What was your favorite college team growing up?
 
N.C.:  The Oregon Ducks and the Miami Hurricanes were my two favorite teams growing up.
 
N2FL:  Favorite NFL Team?
 
N.C.:  I grew up a Packers fan, I have no idea why, I suppose I just loved that green and yellow. Still remain a diehard cheese-head, but I've been pulling for the Seahawks the last couple of years too.
 
N2FL:  Do you try and idolize any specific player?
 
N.C.:  There's an abundance of talent at left tackle in the NFL, guys that are just incredible. Too many to pick just one, but Walter Jones, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, and Orlando Pace are a few favorites. My all-time favorite player has to be Brett Favre though... he's played in the league almost as many years as I've lived.
 
N2FL:  Any particular reason for the jersey number?
 
N.C.:  When I was little, I just got 69 as a jersey, and I've managed to keep it ever since. I always thought it was neat, because it was the same number when it was upside down.
 
N2FL:  When and who was your first scholarship offer?
 
N.C.:  Oregon State and Purdue both offered on April 25th, 2007.
 
N2FL:  How many scholarship offers do you currently have?
 
N.C.:  13: Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, BYU, Portland State, UCLA, Cal, Idaho State, Stanford, Purdue, Arizona State, and Northwestern.
 
N2FL:  Is there a school that hasn't offered you that you would like to see do so?
 
N.C.:  Not really. I am very happy and honored to have the offers I have.
 
N2FL:  What are some of the considerations you have when deciding between schools?
 
N.C.:  I just looked at 3 things: School, Area, and Teammates. I decided that I wanted to go to some place that has a strong journalism program, a relaxed and enjoyable campus, and that the guys in the program were all the kinds of guys I would love to play with for 4-5 years.
 
N2FL:  Who are the schools currently on your list for consideration? Any leader(s)?
 
N.C.:  I've made my decision, and I will make it public sometime in the next few months. I would like to keep quiet for some personal reasons.
 
N2FL:  What are some of your playing strengths?
 
N.C.:  My number one strength is the emotion I play with. If you see me play, it's the first thing that stands out. I play with a mean streak, and I never quit. I also move really well for someone my size, which assists in getting to the 2nd level and in pass protection.
 
N2FL:  What are some things you would like to work on between now and college?
 
N.C.:  I just want to improve everything. I plan to work on every little thing I can this summer so that I can have a great senior year. That means lots of time in the weight room, on the field doing drills, and doing speed and agility training in the gym. I want to perfect the way I do everything.
 
N2FL:  How do you feel about Redshirting?
 
N.C.:  I would be fine with it. If I need a year to learn the system, and the coaches think that would help, that's great. If my school wants me to come in and play right away, that's fine too. I'm trying to prepare myself for either situation.
 
N2FL:  Do you have a major in mind?
 
N.C.:  Journalism/Communications/Broadcasting
 
N2FL:  What are your goals for your senior season?
 
N.C.:  I want to make my QB and RBs happy, that means the most to me. If my teammates can look up to me as a leader and go "Man, that kid really helps ME play better," then that's the best goal I can have. As a team, we would like to repeat as League Champions, and make a deep playoff push. We have a dangerous and experienced group of linemen, a great QB, and some really talented athletes on both sides of the ball. If we can just fill 2 or 3 holes with guys that are willing to give it their all, we have a legitimate shot at going as far as we want to go.
 
N2FL:  What is the craziest recruiting "pitch" you have heard so far?
 
N.C.:  Well, whenever I talk to University of Washington, all they talk about is (2006 Recruit) QB Jake Locker. He's a stud, and a great guy, but I would like to hear about some linemen I could look up to! Whenever I try and bring it up, it all goes back to Locker.
 
N2FL:  Do you have a time frame as to when you would like to commit?
 
N.C.:  I have made a verbal commitment, just waiting awhile to report it. I'd hate to surprise people so soon. ;)
 
N2FL:  Have you communicated with any prospective recruits about attending the same school?
 
N.C.:  Oh yeah, I've been in contact with 3-4 guys.
 
N2FL:  Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
 
N.C.:  My dad. He fought colon cancer for 4 years before passing away in October. He died at 9am the day of our last regular season game. I played that night, and the experience taught me more about life than I could ever begin to explain. He was so brave, never gave up hope, and he was just an amazing man. I think anyone who met him was inspired by his unique combination of characteristics: his sense of humor, toughness, and his love for life.
 

*Post Commitment Follow-up*
 
N2FL:  Congratulations on your commitment to the Oregon Ducks. Who were the other schools you considered before settling in on Oregon?
 
N.C.:  I considered every school that offered me a scholarship; even Portland State and Idaho State. I think it was important that I mentally put myself in every possible position, just in case something didn't work out. That's just the smart thing to do.
When it came down to it, when I got the feel for coaches, schools, and academic programs, I felt that Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, and UW were my leaders. Then I narrowed it from there, thinking about which offered good majors I would enjoy doing plus a campus I like, and that narrowed it to Cal, Oregon, and Oregon State.
 
N2FL:  What made Oregon stand out from the other schools in consideration?
 
N.C.:  When It came down to it, Oregon had everything I needed and wanted in a school. It felt like a relaxed and comfortable campus, and I got that feeling of "this is where I belong".
 
N2FL:  Who was your lead recruiter at Oregon?
 
N.C.:  Well, my area recruiter was Coach (Robin) Pflugrad, the WR coach, but Coach (Mike) Bellotti and Coach (Steve) Greatwood were also very involved.
 
N2FL:  Although you are now committed, will you listen to other schools and keep anyone else in consideration for an official visit?
 
N.C.:  Oh yeah. It's just smart to keep doors open and not burn any bridges yet. It's real early in the process, and you never know what could happen. I don't think I will change my mind, but I still want to keep a good attitude and relationship with coaches.