Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with starting linebacker Cody Crider
10/02/2019 | 11:00:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — One word to describe fifth-year linebacker Cody Crider is resiliency. The Mayfield, Ky. native has refused to give up football, despite three ACL injuries on the same knee. He has proven his value at linebacker this season, as he has started all four games and is second on the team in tackles with 29.
After tearing your ACL for a third time, did you think that you would ever play football again?
I honestly didn't know. Through spring ball, my knee wasn't feeling the same way it had the past two times I tore my ACL. I knew the third time was going to take a little longer, but it felt different this time. It was still hurting after a while, but I just kept praying about it a lot. It eventually just quit hurting.
Do you think praying helped your recovery?
I do. I personally, 100% think that is why I'm playing this year. It was one of those things where there was a pain in the back of my knee and one day it just disappeared. From that moment forward, I knew it was time to strap it up and play some football.
How long did it take for your knee to heal up?
Just like any ACL injury, it takes a lot of rehab to heal it up correctly. It's typically a six-month process, but it was about an eight-month process this third time to get my knee feeling the way I wanted it to. Along with praying, I think taking some time off helped my knee a lot.
Head coach Nick Hill announced in the spring that you were moving to running back. What was behind that initial change and why did you end up switching back to linebacker?
It was my decision to move to running back in the spring. I missed running the ball and used to be pretty good at it. I told coach that if I come back and play again, I want to touch the ball. But I eventually told him that it would probably be easier on my knee to play defense. It felt natural to be back at linebacker. It's where I was for my first four years at SIU.
Are you happy with how it played out considering the success that you have had at linebacker this season?
It's been a good ride. It just feels natural to be back at linebacker. It's where I'm able to help my team most. For every football player, at this level especially, it feels special and is a blessing to be out there playing a game that not many people have the opportunity to experience.
Has your mindset playing football changed due to your experience with injury-shortened seasons?
I haven't been taking anything for granted. Even with practice, it's a blessing to go out and play the game of football. That's why most of us players do it. It's because we love this game and just want to play. You can get hurt in practice, just like you can in games, so I've been cherishing every moment.
What's your favorite aspect of playing football for SIU?
Just my passion and love for the game. Even after it's all said and done as a player, I don't think that I will be get away from the sport, which is why I might end up coaching. There is just nothing like it. Those guys are my brothers and we've come together as a family. I feel like this season is going to be special.
Which level would you want to coach at?
Being a college coach is where I would make the biggest difference. I feel like I have a good understanding of the college game and could relate with many of the players.
Has linebackers coach Spencer Brown helped your development as a player?
Coach Brown has helped me so much with my game. Player wise, he's a smart guy who knows the defense inside and out. As far as me personally, coach told me that he will make me a great player if I listen to him. He's helped a lot with my footwork and eyes, which were two areas that I was lacking the past few years. He's made a huge difference in his short time here.
What are some of your goals for this season?
We have the whole season in front of us. As a team, we want to win a conference championship. For that to happen, we all need to truly buy in and believe that we can do it. That's the number one goal.
As someone who has spent five years with the Saluki Football program, do you view yourself as a leader?
We have a leadership council that I am apart of and we meet every Monday. I'm not a big vocal guy, but I think the guys believe and trust me. I try and do my part and play the game the only way I know how to.
What is the team's mentality heading into this week's matchup at South Dakota State?
To start, our coaches do a great job with the scheme. But I expect to go up to South Dakota and win the football game. I know they are ranked No. 3 in the country, but we have a good football team.
