Posted by Todd McShay
Massive Alabama NT
Terrence Cody is playing with better effort and consistency this season than last, when he burst on the scene with all kinds of hype, and outside of the two blocked field goals that saved the game against Tennessee his defensive play has been flying under the radar.
The first reason for his improvement is that Cody is finishing plays more consistently. His effort was spotty at times in 2008, and while it's hard to say he's in much better shape it does seem like the second effort is there on more plays over the course of a game.
Secondly, Nick Saban and his coaching staff have learned how to use Cody properly. As tempting as it might be to leave him on the field and let him collapse the pocket with a bull rush on passing downs, the staff seems dedicated to making him a two-down player and allowing him to rest in obvious passing situations. That has allowed him to stay fresh deeper into games and become more of a factor when it matters most.
For a look at the concerns about Cody's NFL potential, another Alabama defender making noise, a pair of LSU prospects with something to prove, and how WR Mike Williams sabotaged his draft stock, become an ESPN Insider. 
