Hankinson, ND. (KFGO) – Cody Mauch, the former NDSU standout offensive lineman, is headed to the National Football League.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected the Hankinson native in the 2nd round of the NFL draft. He was the 48th overall pick.

Mauch said he is excited to play for the Buccaneers and go from one winning program with the Bison to another in Tampa Bay.

“It’s a great program,” Mauch said. “The teammates there are awesome.”

Mauch was surrounded by family and friends in Hankinson. His father Joe said he never thought something like this would happen. 

“It’s just special having everyone here,” Joe said. “It’s amazing.”

Jason Monilaws, Mauch’s head football coach at Hankinson High School, got emotional as he thought about the moment ‘Tud’ got drafted. 

“When you work with young kids, you try to develop role models and teach values, which I try to instill in these kids in the program down here, you see how they can succeed in life,” Monilaws said. “You set goals, and have dreams, and work ethic – Tud did all that. He worked hard. He fulfilled his dream. It was very emotional for me.”

The NFL’s rookie camps begin next month.