Jacob Rodriguez is the first Red Raider to win The Bednarik Award
It was announced Friday evening that Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has won The Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in the country. He is the first Red Raider to win the award. Rodriguez has assisted Texas Tech in achieving its first twelve-win season and Big 12 Championship.
Best defensive player in the country
J-Rod won the award due to his outstanding stats and performance for the Red Raiders thus far this season. He has totaled 117 tackles, 7 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions while leading Texas Tech to historic highs as a program. Rodriguez also finished 5th in Heisman Trophy voting.
Back in action
Texas Tech will be back in action New Year’s Day in Miami, Florida against either #12 James Madison or #5 Oregon in the Orange Bowl. The Ducks and Dukes are scheduled to kickoff December 20th at 6:30 PM Central in Eugene, Oregon. The winner of the Orange Bowl quarterfinal will advance to the CFP Semifinals at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. The Peach Bowl is held in Atlanta, Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
About The Bednarik Award
Established in 1995, the Chuck Bednarik Award is a prestigious honor in college football, awarded annually to the most outstanding defensive player. This accolade recognizes exceptional talent, tenacity, and impact on the defensive side of the game. The award is named in tribute to Chuck Bednarik, a revered figure in football history known for his remarkable career as a linebacker.
Chuck Bednarik, a legendary player for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1962, is celebrated for his distinctive contributions to the sport. Renowned for his versatility, Bednarik was the last player in NFL history to play both offense and defense full-time. His remarkable career includes two NFL Championships and ten First-Team All-Pro selections, underscoring his dominance and versatility on the field. Bednarik’s legacy is further cemented by his enshrinement in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
This story will be updated.
