Texas Tech football: Make-or-break Red Raiders for 2023

Will Jacob Rodriguez be up to the task of starting at linebacker?

Let’s head back to the linebacker spot because there is yet another make-or-break player to examine in that position group, Jacob Rodriguez.  The Wichita Falls product who went to Virginia as a QB out of high school only to convert to running back with the Cavilers before transferring to Tech is now in just his second season playing linebacker and he’s going to be asked to be a starter.

Last year, Rodriguez saw action in 12 games registering 29 tackles (3.0) for loss.  Along the way, he displayed a knack for being around the ball as he seemed to always be in a position to make a play (which is exactly what you want out of a linebacker).

However, he did miss all of the spring with a torn labrum meaning that he lost out on an opportunity for important first-team reps, which would have been helpful for a player still learning the nuances of playing linebacker.  And just like Pierre, Rodriguez is going to be tasked with replacing a very productive player from 2022.

Playing next to Merriweather last fall, Kosi Eldridge posted 91 tackles including 4.5 for loss.  He was Tech’s most versatile middle LB as he was deployed all over the field including at times in pass coverage.

There was an outside chance that Eldridge would have been able to return to Tech in 2023 but a waiver appeal for one last year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA this spring.  That decision thrust Rodriguez into the spotlight next to Pierre meaning Tech will be relying on a pair of new starters at inside linebacker in 2023.

How that tandem performs in the middle of what is expected to be a strong defense could be what makes the difference in that side of the ball either being just pretty good or being one of the best in the Big 12.