Questions arise about Chris Rodriguez's availability in 2022

On3 imageby:Jonathan Wagner05/27/22

Jonathan Wagner

Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez was recently arrested for careless driving and driving under the influence, and now his future with the Wildcats program could be in question.

According to KSR’s Matt Jones on Friday, Rodriguez’s future at Kentucky is “up in the air.”

“I would say it’s up in the air what the future of Chris Rodriguez will be at Kentucky,” Jones said on KSR on Friday. “I don’t think it’s decided, and to be honest with you, I’m not sure what this is, but something has occurred that is not related to the DUI that could end up making it to where he is not on the team.

“Even if he is on the team, I think it is almost certain he will not be playing in the first few games,” he added. “He may not play all year, but would almost certainly not be playing in the first four or five games, which would include the Florida game.”

Rodriguez has been at Kentucky for four seasons, and he has turned into a valuable weapon out of the backfield for the Wildcats. He rushed for 533 yards and six touchdowns as a second-year player in 2019, and turned in a solid campaign with 119 carries for 785 yards and 11 scores in 2020. Last year, Rodriguez turned into a star for Kentucky with 225 carries for 1,378 yards and ten touchdowns. He also had 13 receptions for 61 yards and three scores last season.

More on the arrest of Rodriguez in Kentucky

Following Rodriguez’s arrest in Fayette County, Kentucky, he was due to appear for his arraignment. He did not appear, leading to a warrant for his arrest and a $200 fine on top of that.

Later on, though, it was revealed that Rodriguez not appearing in court was due to a mishap by his attorney. His attorney had a scheduling mishap, and told Rodriguez not to appear. After the mishap, his new arraignment date was pushed back.

Now, all eyes are on Rodriguez and whether or not he will make it to the field for Kentucky next season. If he doesn’t the Wildcats will be without a vital weapon in the First Team All-SEC running back, which would be a massive blow.

Kentucky opens the season on September 3 at home against Miami (OH), and then hits the road for its SEC opener against Florida in Week 2.