Short answer: who knows? Pero, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is now in the conversation. If you do not follow College football, especially football out of Lubbock, many are still asking, ‘Who is Jacob?’
Jacob Rodriguez has been described in published reports as an absolute menace and, to some, opposing Q.B.S as a nightmare. This year, Jacob already has impressive stats that include two fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown. I admit that I personally do not follow Tech, even though I did grow up in the area. However, I like many who have started to take notice this year of their 9/1 record and are almost a lock to win the conference.
However, this past Saturday, many were calling Tech’s biggest game of the season, if not ever. It was a matchup between No. 7 BYU and Texas Tech, coming into the game at 9. This was intriguing enough for me to take a look; I will at least check the score.
But then something caught my attention, or better said, someone, Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech linebacker extraordinaire. Rodriguez seemed to be everywhere, and I watched him grab an interception, not a gift interception. No, his interception came when he touched it and tossed it to himself.
This kid has something, and he is definitely an NFL prospect; he will be drafted in the mid-rounds at the very least. His size at 6.1. 230 may hurt his draft position, but according to reports, he has a high football IQ and knows how to make plays. And he is no stranger to working hard and proving himself.
He joined the Red Raiders via the transfer portal from Virginia, where he played quarterback. At Tech, he switched to linebacker and had an immediate impact, quickly becoming a fan favorite. There is no doubt that Rodriguez is ready to play every week.
Once I saw him in action, I could not help but be reminded of another Latino Tech defensive standout. That is Gabriel Riveria, (Nickname) Señor Sack a defensive tackle that earned All American Honors as a senior in his last year at Tech.
Mr. Riveria was drafted in the first round in 1983 by the Pittsburgh Steelers after passing on Hall of Famer Dan Marino. Reportable Head Coach Chuck Noll chose to build up the defensive side of the ball. As he had years earlier with Hall Famer Mean Joe Green.
Unfortunately, we were all denied the opportunity to see Señor Sack do his thing in the NFL. In his first year in October, he was in a serious car accident. The crash left him paralyzed from the waist down. There were many tributes paid to Señor Sack’s athletic ability by all his fans, but his career was done. He became a vocal spokesperson against drinking and driving, as alcohol contributed to his accident. Mr. Riveria died in 2018 in San Antino, where he reportedly spent his time volunteering as a tutor and mentor with at-risk youth. On a personal note, I was lucky enough to have met Mr. Riveria in Lubbock during his Tech and found him to be a gentle giant and likeable soul. And although he went to the hated Steelers, I had hope that he would go on to have a great career.
Which takes me back to Jacob just because some people are talking Heisman for him, it really does not matter. Reportable Tech head coach Joey McGuire has said, “The Heisman is given to the best player, not the best Q.B., and you can’t deny he is not playing at an elite level” (Paraphrasing)
Former Tech Q.B. and new NFL Goat Patrick Mahomes, former Q.B. and now TV analyst Robert Griffen 111 think so. And maybe more important to Jacob, his wife Emma Rodriguez certainly believes and is not shy about letting all know. This in her spare time from serving in the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Jacob struck the Heisman pose during the game so maybe he believes it too.
So, the answer to the question I posed in the title will Jim Plunkett will have company soon after all he has been there since 1970. And in case you did not know, Plunkett went to add two Super Bowls to his Heisman win. Will Rodriguez join Plunkett, honestly, I don’t’ know, Pero, I hope so.
By A. Govea goveaalberto215@yahoo.com
