Rivals says Chris Rodriguez is most important player to his team in CFB

The college football world is filled with can’t-miss superstars in every conference and at every level. Good teams, bad teams, from high-level Power 5 programs down to the FCS ranks, you’ll find countless players infinitely important to their respective teams. Chris Rodriguez is that player for the Kentucky Wildcats.

According to one national college football columnist, though, none are more important to their teams than Rodriguez is to Kentucky and its success through the first four weeks of the season.

“(Chris Rodriguez) is the heart and soul of this Wildcats team.”

In a recent column breaking down the latest developments in college football, Mike Farrell of Rivals.com said Rodriguez is the most important player to his team in the nation.

“Who’s the most important player to his team in all of college football? Think about that question a bit,” Farrell wrote. “You usually go with a quarterback, but this year’s crop has been disappointing, save for Matt Corral at Ole Miss, Bryce Young at Alabama and a few others. … To me, it’s running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. for Kentucky, who doesn’t get his share of love.”

Rodriguez has his flaws – he’s fumbled the ball four times in four games – but he remains the “heart and soul” of this team. Without him, Farrell says there is “no way” UK would be 4-0 on the year.

And if Kentucky pulls off the upset against Florida this weekend, it will be because of Rodriguez.

“Yes, he had a big fumble against Missouri that almost cost the Wildcats the game, but without him they wouldn’t have had a chance and there’s no way they would be 4-0 heading into a huge game against Florida,” he wrote. “… He is the heart and soul of this Wildcats team. If they pull an upset this weekend, he will be the key.”

Rodriguez is currently tied for No. 3 in the nation and No. 1 in the SEC in total rushing with 522 yards on 85 carries. That’s more than 100 yards (Missouri’s Tyler Badie has rushed for 417) than anyone else in the conference.

Chris Rodriguez is an undeniable superstar at the collegiate level. Clean up the fumbles and let’s bring on the Gators.