veteran McNeese DL who brings size, IQ, and academic bite
Jake Grode is a long-tenured McNeese defensive lineman whose value has come from steady reps, inside pass-down pressure, and dependable football IQ rather than flashy counting stats. In the 2015 season, he appeared in 9 games with 2 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 quarterback hurry, and McNeese notes he was a 6-foot-4, 249-pound senior by 2016. He also earned SLC All-Academic honors, which fits the profile of a disciplined, coachable trench player who can help a roster with maturity and versatility.
