Jacob Rodriguez reflects on Big 12 Championship win versus BYU
From sleeping on the ground in his brother’s apartment as a walk-on waiting for a scholarship, to becoming a Big 12 champion. Jacob Rodriguez was putting in the work day in and day out to reach a championship. Rodriguez totaled a team-high 13 tackles on Saturday versus BYU to help lead Texas Tech to its first Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance.
A Sea of Red
Texas Tech had an extremely large fan presence for the Big 12 Championship on Saturday. There were so many fans in Arlington Saturday Jacob didn’t know which way to look when trying to pump up the Red Raider fans.
“It was unreal. I think it was right before we went out for our first drive as a defense, and we’re kind of looking out, want to get the crowd pumped up. And you look at what direction you want to get them pumped up in.”
“And I’m looking at 80 percent, 90 percent of the stadium is wearing red. That’s huge to see. I know Red Raiders always travel well, and they’ve always have our back. It was great to see and great to hear.”
Be The Best
The national narrative essentially everywhere you look online regarding Texas Tech is that the whole team is bought and paid for. While that’s not totally true, the national media hasn’t seemed to change their tone throughout the season. When he’s asked about it, what does he have to say?
“If we are going to buy a team, why not be the best?”
Earning Awards
Rodriguez has won multiple awards over the past week, including the Butkus Award, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Game on Saturday. If he could go back and talk to himself when he was sleeping on the floor as a walk-on, or the practice back at Rider High School, what would he tell himself, is it worth it?
“I think everything’s worth it. I think the amount of time and work that you put into what you do, I think just trusting in that process and believing in yourself and people around you. Doing the work only gives you opportunity. It doesn’t give you any right to win or to lose. It just gives you the opportunity to be there.”
“I’m just proud of myself for putting in the work, but I’m more proud of the people I’ve been around and people I’ve gotten to experience in that time.”
Trophy Ceremony
Once the confetti started firing off, Jacob was seen looking around on the stage once the trophy presentation had concluded. What were his thoughts when he was standing up soaking it all in?
“Yeah, it was great. I was looking around. I was just looking for my wife. I really just kind of wanted to celebrate with her. She’s meant so much to me in the 2 1/2 years we’ve been married. I think I really just kind of wanted to spend a moment with her and get to celebrate with her because of how much work she’s put in this year with supporting me and being right there.”
“She’s such a rock for me. And I’m just so thankful that she could be here for this.”
Legend Status
With him being up for so many awards, and the biggest the sport has to offer. Is Jacob Rodriguez the new Hispanic Zach Thomas?
“I don’t know about that one. He was great. He’s been somebody that we’ve looked up to, and we got to meet him last year. I mean, he’s the best there is. It’s such an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as him. And looking forward to meeting him again.”
One Word
If you could describe Lubbock in one word to someone who’s never been there, what word would it be?
“Hard-working.”
Heisman Fate
We will learn if Jacob Rodriguez will make the trip to New York City for the Heisman Trophy Ceremony tonight during ESPN’s Monday Night NFL Countdown. The Heisman Trophy Ceremony is set for 7 p.m. on December 13th on ABC.
Join the conversation with other Red Raiders on the Inside The Double T forum.
Subscribe today to get the most in-depth Texas Tech sports and recruiting coverage.
Follow us on X: @RedRaiderSports
Like and follow us on Instagram @rrs_rivals & like us on Facebook.
