Photo from siusalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois outside linebacker Cody Crider was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA and will return for his final season with the Salukis in 2020, SIU head coach Nick Hill announced on Monday.

An All-Conference selection in 2019, Crider bounced back from a season-ending knee injury in 2018 to lead the Salukis in tackles for loss (12.0). He was also second in total tackles (90), recorded two sacks and had five quarterback hurries.

“Any time a captain and All-Conference player is coming back for another year it’s a great day for your program,” Hill said. “Not many times do you get to be with a student-athlete for six years. I’m extremely excited to have Cody back. He is one of the best I’ve ever coached.”

Crider has played three full seasons (2016, 2017 and 2019) and missed all but four games due to knee injuries in 2015 and 2018, for which he received redshirt years. His 221 career tackles ranks 32nd in school history and he could climb into the top 15 if he replicates his 2019 campaign.

“I am excited to be back with the team this year,” Crider said. “Can’t wait to get to go play the game I love with the people I love.”

 

This press release first featured on siusalukis.com