TCU lineman Iwuagwu eager to prove he’s more than just a guard going into NFL Draft
Cordel Iwuagwu took a few reps at center last spring, the only time he spent at that position in his five years at TCU. The Horned Frogs used him primarily at guard during his career.
But Iwuagwu has spent this off-season working at center as another avenue for an NFL career. He wants to show teams that he is a versatile player capable of playing any of the interior line positions, something that will open more doors.
Unfortunately for Iwuagwu, TCU’s pro day was called off amid the coronavirus pandemic and he’s yet to get a chance to showcase that ability in front of NFL evaluators.
“I was definitely looking forward to pro day, man,” Iwuagwu said. “I wanted to show everybody some O-line drills, some bags and also that I could play some center. I can snap the ball and do whatever is needed after I snap it. I’ve been working on that for the past couple of months.”
The good news for Iwuagwu is that he’s expected to get that chance at some point. He’s projected as a late-round prospect, or priority free agent, going into next week’s NFL Draft as analysts like how he “competes with an edge.”
Iwuagwu made a favorable impression last season with the Horned Frogs, starting all 12 games at left guard and earning All-Big 12 honorable mention. It was a nice rebound season for Iwuagwu, who missed eight games in 2018 with a high ankle sprain.
As The Athletic’s draft analyst Dane Brugler said, “He returned in 2019 and started every game as a senior, playing his best football and creating a soft buzz in scouting circles. Iwuagwu passes the eye test with his natural body mass and length, moving well when he keeps his feet beneath him.
“Overall, Iwuagwu has balance issues in pass protection and as a run blocker, but he explodes into contact and ties up defenders, projecting as an NFL reserve who has upside if medicals aren’t a concern.”
The Star-Telegram caught up with Iwuagwu recently. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he checked in at 6-foot-3, 309 pounds.
How has training gone so far this off-season? “Training was a different experience. There was a wide variety of things I wanted to tweak and work on like my flexibility. But it was a good experience. I was able to pick up a lot of tips and a lot of techniques with my stance. It was a humbling experience.”
How much have you grown as a center? “I’m getting as much center work done as I can. I feel I can go to a team as a center and a backup guard, or come in as a guard and a backup center. The biggest thing with center is everything just happens a little faster. I thought football was fast at guard after I played tackle in high school. You have to really just take a deep breath, give calls and identify the defense. You can’t rush the snap. But I feel I’ve handled it well and gotten good experience with it.”
The center is known as the leader of the O-line. As TCU’s captain last year, does that make it an easier transition given the leadership angle at the position? “No doubt. I’ve already had a leadership role in terms of communication when I was at guard, so now it’s just bumped down one spot. I’ve just got to snap the ball.”
Looking back on your TCU career, are you pleased with how it turned out? “I have no regrets. Of course I wish we would’ve won more games, but some of my teammates are going to be friends for life. Some coaches will be mentors for life. I don’t have any regrets.”
How much did it help facing guys like Ross Blacklock every day in practice? “I’ve never really looked at it like that, but it did for sure. If NFL teams are looking to see if he’s gone against competition, obviously I have every day since Ross is a guy who’s considered a first-round pick.”
Did you hold your own against Blacklock? [laughs] “Oh, yes, sir. I did my best.”
Finally, what’s your mindset going into the draft? There’s been O-linemen such as Brian Waters who went undrafted and carved out a long career. “My mindset is that it doesn’t really matter what team I’m going to. I’m just going to work hard and take it one step at a time. But the O-line is definitely a position where you have to prove yourself every day. That’s why it’s a great position. You just have to keep working.”
