Rodrick Ward, a formidable presence at 5’11” and 185 lbs, brought his talent and tenacity as a senior safety from San Jacinto, California, to the Colorado Buffaloes in the 2023 season. His journey to Colorado began after an illustrious junior year at Southern Utah University, where he made a significant impact on the field. In the 2022 season, Ward showcased his prowess by accumulating an impressive stat line: 39 total tackles, one sack, eight passes defensed, and four interceptions for the Thunderbirds.
Photo Cred: Rivals
Such stellar performance rightly earned him All-WAC honors, cementing his status as a defensive force to be reckoned with. Transitioning to the Buffaloes, Ward continued his relentless pursuit of excellence, tallying 52 tackles—a commendable feat that landed him fourth on the team. However, his pass defense numbers saw a slight dip, with only two passes defensed and no interceptions to his name.
Despite this, Ward’s skills shone brightly during the Colorado pro day, catching the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Brian Howell of the Daily Camera lauded Ward’s standout performance, noting his impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds and his solid showing on the bench press with 18 reps of 225 pounds. Ward’s athleticism was further underscored by his remarkable broad jump of 10 feet, 6 inches—a feat that would have ranked him fourth among safeties at the Combine.
Reflecting on his performance, Ward expressed satisfaction, stating, “I think I did good, I was able to have some good numbers, I think it was a good day overall man.” Such confidence and resilience characterize Ward’s approach to the game, underscoring his determination to succeed at the highest level.
Photo Cred: Colorado
Currently flying under the draft radar and absent from mock drafts, Ward remains undeterred in his pursuit of a professional football career. With his time under the tutelage of Coach Prime at Colorado and his impressive showing at the pro day, Ward remains optimistic that an NFL team will take notice—whether through a late-round selection or the opportunity to prove himself as an unrestricted free agent. His journey may have its challenges, but Rodrick Ward stands poised to seize any opportunity that comes his way, ready to leave his mark on the gridiron at the highest level.
