By Tom Mix
NDHSAA Media Specialist
KANSAS CITY – Cody Mauch, a 2017 graduate of Hankinson High School and All-American left tackle at North Dakota State, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round (48th overall pick) of the 2023 National Football League (NFL) Draft on Friday, April 28 at Union Station in Kansas City.
Mauch was a North Dakota High School Coaches Association (NDHSCA) 9-man Division All-State First Team selection as a defensive lineman his senior season (2016) at Hankinson High School. He also earned a NDHSCA 9-man Division All-State Second Team selection as a junior in 2015.
Mauch began his collegiate football career as a walk-on tight end at North Dakota State, but he transitioned into an offensive line prospect soon after he joined the Bison.
After a redshirt season in 2017, Mauch joined the scout team and provided depth on the offensive line appearing in six games in 2018.
In 2019, Mauch played in all 16 games as a backup offensive tackle and an occasional snap as an eligible receiver at tight end. During the 2020-21 season, Mauch became a starter on the offensive line earning All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Second Team Honors.
Mauch started in 39 consecutive games over his final three seasons at NDSU and appeared in every game NDSU played from 2019 through 2022. During his time at NDSU, the Bison compiled a 78-8 record with four NCAA Division I FCS national championships and four Missouri Valley Football Conference titles over his six seasons. Mauch also was a two-time All-American at NDSU (Associated Press All-American Second Team selection in 2021; Associated Press and First Team Stats Perform FCS All-American All-American First Team).
Mauch was named 2022 Phil Steele FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year and 2022 FCS Athletic Directors Association Top Offensive Lineman (LT).
In February, Mauch played in the Reece’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. In March, Mauch participated in the National Football League (NFL) Combine held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mauch’s 40-yard time was 5.08 seconds and he completed 29 reps in the bench press.
Mauch is another recent North Dakota high school football player to be drafted in the NFL in the last decade joining 2011 Bismarck Century graduate Carson Wentz (1st Round, 2nd overall pick in 2016 NFL Draft), 2011 Fargo Shanley graduate Connor McGovern (5th Round, 144th overall pick in 2016 NFL Draft), and 2016 Drake High School graduate Cordell Volson (4th Round, 136th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft).
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