Jacob Rodriguez really seems to have made a sizable impact on the Texas Tech football team. The seasoned linebacker has played three seasons with the Red Raiders after getting his college football career kicked off with the Virginia Cavaliers.
But over the past three seasons, Rodriguez has played a very valuable role in Texas Tech’s defense. And that’s not even getting into what apparently makes him such an incredible teammate and member of the Red Raiders off the field.
“He is such a rockstar when it comes to culture in our building and the way we work,” McGuire said. I mean, he’s a pro.”
Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire explains the way that Jacob Rodriguez impacts the team culture in Lubbock
That feels like pretty high praise for the seasoned linebacker who made the choice to return to Lubbock to help the Red Raiders for another season. Given that he’s the Big 12’s preseason Defensive Player of the Year, it makes sense why the Red Raiders would want Rodriguez from a practical level.
And that quote makes it clear as to why Texas Tech values having him as a leader within their program. It sure sounds like he brings a fair bit of leadership value to an organization.
“He understands and we're always searching for people’s why,” McGuire said. “When you have older guys like him who’s married, it’s easy to know his why, and so we were able to use that and make sure he came back.”
As for the challenge of Rodriguez coming back and having expectations placed upon him now? Well, he gets a chance to showcase his skillset and prove that he deserves that preseason recognition. McGuire seems to agree with that.
“I was excited, very honored that he was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and now he knows he’s got to go back it up,” Texas Tech's head coach said.