Jacob Rodriguez continues to get the sort of recognition and attention that he’s earned with his play on the field this season. With his dominant play (and the recent sort of media push from the Texas Tech Red Raiders for their leading linebacker), Rodriguez has caught the attention of folks nationwide.
That includes the folks over at the FWAA, who help present the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
Rodriguez has been fantastic as he’s managed to rack up 100 total tackles so far, 55 solo tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, a sack, four interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles, a defensive touchdown, and an offensive touchdown.
He’s very good at this whole football thing, folks.
Bronko Nagurski Trophy tabs Jacob Rodriguez as a finalist for this year’s award
Now, while Rodriguez has very clearly done so much to prove that he should be the recipient of this (and also a bunch of other awards and accolades), there are other players who have also had incredible seasons. And that’s why there are other players who are finalists for this award (and also a bunch of other awards and accolades).
Like Caleb Downs from Ohio State, who has been dominant for the Buckeyes secondary. Ohio State’s defense has been remarkable all season long and it’s hard to find a team that is more talented than the Buckeyes this year. Downs is a huge reason for that success and he’s very clearly one of the most talented players on their roster.
Or Cashius Howell who is helping the Texas A&M Aggies continue to remain unbeaten. Howell’s work in College Station has been really impressive and he’s been able to really terrorize SEC offensive lines and quarterbacks this year.
Then there’s Leonard Moore over at Notre Dame, who is thriving in the secondary for the Fighting Irish. Few quarterbacks really have much fun when trying to deal with Moore and he’s been a huge reason for the success that the Fighting Irish have had down the stretch of the season.