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As a senior at Houston's Clear Lake High School, Cody Worthen wanted to play for SMU. Deemed too small, he sought other options, eventually heading west to Portland State where he was one of the leading tacklers for head coach Jerry Glanville's defense. But when Glanville left PSU, Worthen got a chance to play closer to home ... and to play for the school he originally wanted to attend. Glanville called SMU head coach June Jones, who welcomed Worthen. After biding his time as a redshirt on the scout team defense in 2010, Worthen is ready to contribute in 2011, albeit at a new position: linebacker.

Worthen visited with PonyFans.com to discuss his circuitous route to SMU, how the position change came about and what he sees ahead of him at his new spot on the Ponies' defense.

Enjoy!

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What a story — second chance, homecoming, etc.

Hope Cody gets a chance to contribute. Sounds like a fine young man.

there is some pretty good video of this guy at Portland St. He's a headhunter that will probably help this year on special teams. A little small for safety as I remember and not sure of his speed. I think this is video and he does lay some people out. I bet he's out there from day 1 on Kick Return

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Jn32K6cvQ

The roster says he's 5-11, 204, and he told me 205. Is that a little light? Maybe, but it's not like SMU hasn't played linebackers that size before. He looks pretty solid.

As for his speed, it looked in practice like he runs pretty well, especially if you look at him as a linebacker. I'm not going to say he's Ja'Gared Davis-fast (not many are), but he sure isn't sportswriter-slow, either.

yep speed should be fine at LB but originally we thought he was going to be a Safety. I wouldn't want a 5-11, 205 LB on the field against A&M or TCU. CUSA is a spread the field and throw it 60 times league though.

Sitting out a year has to be tough, but this guy sounds like an intensely focused, driven guy.
Great story.
Good luck, Cody.

Looks like a very solid player from his tape. I hope he finds success here.

This guy is from my hometown and high school. New favorite player!