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Wichmann preps for second season with NFL’s RamsFree Access




 

Cody Wichmann (69) of Mariposa is shown in action last year against the Indianapolis Colts. Wichman is entering his second season with the Rams, a team now located back in his home state of California.

Cody Wichmann (69) of Mariposa is shown in action last year against the Indianapolis Colts. Wichman is entering his second season with the Rams, a team now located back in his home state of California.

Editor’s note: The Gazette conducted an interview on July 26 with National Football League player Cody Wichmann, a graduate of Mariposa County High School, as Wichmann prepared for training camp, which started July 30 in Irvine.

C ody Wichmann, an offensive guard for the Los Angeles

Cody Wichmann, who played college football at Fresno State, battled through adversity to turn in a solid first NFL season.

Cody Wichmann, who played college football at Fresno State, battled through adversity to turn in a solid first NFL season.

Rams, often thinks of his hometown of Mariposa.

“I still love the town,” Wichmann said. “I miss the river. I went the other week. I wish we had the Merced River here in Thousand Oaks. I miss Yosemite, the hills and the small town feel. In college I went back multiple times over the offseason. Since I’ve been here in Thousand Oaks I’ve only made two trips back, one before last season and one a couple weeks ago.”

Even though he may not be living here in Mariposa, the recent migration by the Rams organization from St. Louis to Los Angeles puts Wichmann much closer to home.

“I am excited,” Wichmann said. “St. Louis was a great city. It’s sad to be leaving there but it is nice being closer to home and closer to family. My family still lives in Mariposa. It’ll be nice to be a little bit closer so friends and family can come down for games.”

The excitement of the move to L.A. is matched by optimism surrounding the team’s roster, which features running back Todd Gurley, one of the most talented young players in the league. The Rams also drafted quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

With that in mind, Wichmann, the 6-foot-6, 315-pounder, said he has a “positive outlook” about the Rams this season.

Question: What lessons did you learn from your rookie season?

Answer: You learn a lot, whether it’s the beginning of a college season or a pro season, you learn the speed of the game. It’s always going to take a big step up. I’d say the speed of the game was something you had to catch onto pretty quick. There is a lot that goes into the preparation, how to maintain how many years you can (play) in the NFL. When you see the 10-year vets and guys like that, they’re doing something right and taking care of themselves.

Q: What has the biggest obstacle been so far for you in the NFL? The calf injury you suffered early on last year?

A: I got that injury at a really bad time. I got that in the offseason training program on day two of that, so I missed all of the offseason practices and workouts and stuff. That was really bad timing and had me worried. When something like that happens, the only thing you can do is get in the training room and get yourself better. It’s part of being a pro — taking care of yourself.

Q: You made your first start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 and then started the next six games. What was it like being thrust into action as a rookie last season and having the team depend on you to step up?

A: My opportunity presented itself and I was able to take advantage of it. A lot of things happen in the NFL. Guys get hurt quite often. Last year we had a lot of injuries to the offensive line. That’s kind of how I got my opportunity. Being on the team, they expect you to be able to perform. Doesn’t matter if you’re a backup or starter. You’ve got to perform. … It was time for me to step up and take care of business.

Q: What have you been working on in the offseason?

A: Stretching a lot, working on footwork. The faster your feet can move the faster you can go. (I’m working on) cardio obviously and trying to drop a couple pounds before camp starts. (I’m working) specifically on footwork and keeping loose.

Q: What’s it like playing for coach Jeff Fisher, a well-known and well-regarded football coach?

A: Coach Fisher is awesome. He’s a great guy. He’s the guy who gave me the opportunity to play. I respect him very much. He treats his players like he’d treat his family. He’s always looking out for us. I’m very blessed to play for coach Fisher.

Q: What team do you enjoy and look forward to playing the most?

A: Seattle was pretty fun. That stadium was very active and loud. That was pretty fun. I’d say that’s the team I look forward to playing.

Q: What advice could you offer for young Mariposa athletes?

A: My big thing is take advantage of your opportunities. … Not everything is going to be given to you. You’ve got to work hard. Good things will happen to you.

Q: What is your outlook for the Rams this season?

A: We have a lot of young guys who are studs. I think our offensive line unit is going to be really solid; no matter who ends up starting, it’s going to be a battle. We have weapons all over the place on defense and offense. There will be a lot of excitement with ‘Hard Knocks’ (a five-episode HBO television production which will give a behind-the-scenes look at training camp for the Rams) but I think the guys on the team will be able to focus.

Wichmann and the Rams open the regular season with a Sept. 12 Monday night game at the San Francisco 49ers. See future editions of the Gazette over the course of the NFL season for updates on Wichmann.

 

 

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