Jacob Rodriguez named Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year
The Big 12 announced their preseason teams on Monday, July 7th, and Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Rodriguez decided to come back to Tech for his senior season after having an impressive year in 2024.
More Tech players added to the preseason honors
Along with being named the DPOY, Rodriguez was also named to the Preseason All-Conference Defensive Team, along with David Bailey and Lee Hunter, two transfers that are expected to make an immediate impact on Tech’s defensive line.
Rodriguez heading into senior season
After an impressive season in 2024, Rodriguez looks to continue making a significant impact for Tech on defense. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team, received honorable mention All-American recognition from Phil Steele, was selected to the First Team All-Big 12 by Phil Steele, as well as the All-Texas First Team by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. Rodriguez finished the season with 77 solo tackles and averaged 5.9 solo tackles per game. He was also tied for seventh nationally for total tackles with 127 and 12th for total tackles per game (9.8).
Rodriguez led the Big 12 in total tackles, total tackles per game, solo tackles per game and total solo tackles. He was tied for second in the league in fumble recoveries (two) and also tied for third in forced fumbles (three). The senior also tied seventh in the Big 12 in tackles for loss (10.5), 11 for total sacks (5.0), and led the league with 97 tackles against conference opponents with a 10.78 average.
Role for the upcoming season
As a returning starter and captain for the Red Raiders, Rodriguez will look to continue his leadership on and off the field and be a huge factor for Tech on defense, along with other linebackers Ben Roberts, John Curry, and Bryce Ramirez. The veteran will also attend Big 12 Media Days for Joey McGuire’s squad, along with Behren Morton, Lee Hunter, Cole Wisniewski, Romello Height, and Caleb Douglas. Rodriguez will continue to be the heart of the Tech defense and is gearing up for what is expected to be a historic season.
