Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez makes Heisman statement

Jason Jones

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Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez makes Heisman statement image

November is a big month for college football. Upsets, playoff positioning and of course award considerations. No award more important than the Heisman Trophy. While many viewers expect one of the top quarterbacks to win the award, a defensive player is gaining buzz.

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez began hearing Heisman chants from fans weeks ago. Initially he was hesitant to lean into suggesting he wasn’t ready to buy the Heisman hype just yet. Two weeks ago, following a timely interception, Rodriguez hit the Heisman pose. Implying the linebacker is ready now.

In week 12 against South Florida, Rodriguez again added to his Heisman hopeful candidacy. Defensively, he registered nine total tackles, six were solo and one pass deflected.

This was not his best performance but a solid showing. His best performance was the previous week vs BYU when Rodriguez had 14 tackles, nine solo, one tackle for loss, one interception, and a fumble recovery.

However, no one is talking about Rodriguez today for anything defense related. In an interesting move Joey McGuire elected to put Rodriguez in on offense inside the red zone. He took a direct snap and ran the ball through the teeth of the defense for a Red Raiders touchdown. After the game, his head coach gave an interestingly logic reasoning behind the defender’s score.

A defensive player winning the Heisman Trophy is rare. Its only happened twice before in the award’s history. Charles Woodson in 1997 and last year with Travis Hunter. A second defensive winner in as many years seems wildly unlikely, but there is some logic behind the Rodriguez push.

In addition to his one rushing attempt for two yards and a touchdown, Rodriguez has put together a solid resume. 100 tackles, 55 solo, 45 assisted. 9.5 tackles for loss. Four interceptions, six pass deflections, seven forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

While Rodriguez is a long shot to win the award, there is a growing sentiment that the Texas Tech linebacker has played his way into a Heisman finalist invite. No major national outlet nor popular sports books have listed Rodriguez as a contender, but there is an argument to be made.

According to Fox Sports as of Monday, there are ten quarterbacks, one receiver and one running back in the top 12 of contention. Both non quarterbacks, running back Jeremiyah Love and receiver Jeremiah Smith have moved up the ranking this week to 6th and 7th respectively. However, the only movement at the top of the list is the game of musical chairs between Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin.

If a quarterback wins, it seems it will come down to Mendoza and Sayin. Deigo Pavia and Gunner Stockton have moved up, but neither of which should overtake the current top two. Ty Simpson, CJ Carr, Jayden Maiava, Dante Moore and Arch Manning are longshots and like remain on the list due to their team’s success.  Opening the possibility of an invite once the dust settles on the quarterbacks.

Rodriguez has one more opportunity to impress Heisman voters when Texas Tech travels to Morgantown to take on the West Virginia Mountaineers. Game details and broadcast partner have not yet been announced.

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