Jacob Rodriguez spent most of this season fighting an uphill battle.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders wanted Rodriguez to get Heisman Trophy consideration.
But there was something working against Rodriguez: He's a linebacker. They don't exactly go around winning the Heisman.
Rodriguez was special, though. He was a playmaking, defensive star for one of the best teams in the country. People bought into his case.
The voters nearly got him to New York City for the ceremony, too.
In the end, Rodriguez placed 5th in the final voting.
MORE: Now in the transfer portal? Gideon ESPN Lampron
The four finalists were Diego Pavia, Jeremiyah Love, Julian Sayin and Fernando Mendoza. That's three QBs and a running back.
Rodriguez placed fifth.
This is how the top-10 rounded out:
5. Jacob Rodriguez
6. Jeremiah Smith
7. Gunner Stockton
8. Trinidad Chambliss
9. Caleb Downs
10. Haynes King.
That's quite the list of names for Rodriguez to be among, and to be above.
Rodriguez can still make his case on a national stage, too, when he and the Red Raiders play in the College Football Playoff. He can't change his Heisman finish, but he can prove just how special he is.
More CFB news:
- Georgia player who previously medically retired is now in the transfer portal
- Zach Wilson's 4-star QB brother is in the transfer portal
- Arkansas losing a 6-foot-8 behemoth to transfer portal
- Alabama beats Ohio State for a big-time TE recruit
- Florida State chasing 40-TD QB in transfer portal