Jacob Rodriguez on Tech’s brotherhood and defense
Leadership fuel Texas Tech’s defense
Every player has their “why.” For Texas Tech senior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, that motivation remains clear: love and trust inside the locker room.
“I think it’s collective. I don’t think it’s just me,” Rodriguez said. “We all care about each other. There are lots of reasons why you play hard. You play hard because you love each other.”
That love has been tested through adversity. Whether in tough in-game moments or through the outside noise surrounding Tech’s offseason spending, the unity of this team has not been broken. Instead, it has been strengthened.
“Don’t let anxiety or adversity change what you know to be true,” Rodriguez explained. “Everybody came to Tech for a reason, whether it was money, Coach McGuire — doesn’t really matter now, because it is about love.”
In addition, that family bond extends well beyond the field. Rodriguez expressed excitement for his teammate Dooda Banks, who welcomed a baby girl on the morning of the game. For him, the moment reflected the deeper connections that exist inside the Red Raider locker room.
Furthermore, head coach Joey McGuire has continued to preach passion and authenticity. “Be who you are,” McGuire told the team in a huddle before the fourth quarter last week. Rodriguez echoed that mindset, noting how it shows up every day inside the facility: “All juice in the world — it’s never 4th and 1. Great day when we are there. The closer we get, the better we love each other, the harder we play.”
As a result, the Red Raiders’ defense has fully embraced that standard. Challenges have been faced, and critics have been silenced. Now, as Tech heads into its bye week, Rodriguez believes the foundation is in place for even more growth.
“Moral of the story is love your brothers, and they play harder for you,”. Looking ahead, that philosophy will continue to define the identity of Texas Tech’s defense — with Rodriguez at the center of it.
