Wichmann – from Mariposa to Fresno State to St. Louis Rams

Cody Wichmann can only hope to repeat the kind of NFL success enjoyed by fellow Mariposa High School graduate Logan Mankins.

Wichmann (6-foot-6, 315 pounds), a four-year starting offensive lineman for Fresno State, will have that chance. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round, the 215th overall section, Saturday.

Mankins, a six-time Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots, was chosen in the first round of the 2005 draft. He now plays for Tampa Bay but, like Wichmann, starred as a collegian at Fresno State.

“It’s just an amazing time,” Wichmann told The Fresno Bee. “I was patient, and I’m glad the wait is over. I look forward to playing for the Rams.”

Wichmann started in 50 games, the second-most by any Bulldog in the last eight years. He was a two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection, earning second-team accolades as a senior (right guard) in 2014 and honorable mention in 2013.

Wichmann is the 16th offensive lineman drafted out of Fresno State and the first since Andrew Jackson went to Atlanta in the seventh round in 2011.

This story was originally published May 2, 2015 at 11:47 PM with the headline "Wichmann – from Mariposa to Fresno State to St. Louis Rams."