2023 Football Roster
Roster
Rodriguez, Jacob
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Jersey Number 10
Jacob Rodriguez
- Position:
- Linebacker
- Height:
- 6-1
- Weight:
- 235
- Class:
- Junior
- Hometown:
- Wichita Falls, Texas
- High School:
- Rider
Bio
CAREER HONORS
2024 SEASON (REDSHIRT JUNIOR)
2023 SEASON (JUNIOR)
2022 SEASON (SOPHOMORE)
PRIOR TO TEXAS TECH
HIGH SCHOOL
PERSONAL
- Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year (2025, Sr.)
- All-Big 12 First Team (2024, R-Jr.)
- Associated Press All-Big 12 First Team (2024, R-Jr.)
- Phil Steele Honorable Mention All-America Team (2024, R-Jr.)
- AutoZone Liberty Bowl Defensive Player of the Game (2024, R-Jr.)
- Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Defensive MVP (2023, Jr.)
2024 SEASON (REDSHIRT JUNIOR)
- Developed into one of the top linebackers in college football as a junior … team captain and leader for the Red Raider defense … started in all 13 games at inside linebacker, joining fellow linebacker Ben Roberts as well as defensive backs C.J. Baskerville and Maurion Horn as the only defensive players to do so … one of seven players on the team to start in all 13 games.
- Team leader with 127 total tackles (77 solo) and 10.5 tackles for loss, including 5.0 sacks … marked the most tackles by a Red Raider in a single season since Lawrence Flugence set an NCAA FBS record with 193 stops in 2002 … ranked among the national leaders all season in both total tackles and solo tackles … recorded 97 of his 127 tackles on the season and 7.5 tackles for loss, including all 5.0 sacks, during Big 12 play … had at least one tackle in all 13 games and finished with 10 or more in seven different games … finished with nine stops in two other games as well … shared at least one tackle for loss in eight different games, including six during Big 12 play and another in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl versus Arkansas.
- Played a part in a team-leading six takeaways on the season with three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception … will enter his final season among the nation’s top linebackers in terms of takeaways with six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a pair of interceptions during his career, many of which that have come in key moments … added four pass breakups either near the line of scrimmage or in pass coverage as well.
- Shared the team high for forced fumbles with fellow linebacker Ben Roberts, who became the first set of teammates to knock loose three or more fumbles in a season since Eli Howard and Justus Parker in 2017 … will enter the 2025 season ranked second among active Big 12 players in career forced fumbles, trailing only his new teammate in David Bailey (7) … marks the most forced fumbles in a career by a Red Raider currently since Pete Robertson had eight over his tenure from 2012-15.
- Had at least a share of the team high for tackles in seven games overall, including five times during Big 12 play … was the sole leader for tackles for loss in four games, three that came against conference opponents.
- Credited with playing in 740 defensive snaps by Pro Football Focus, which ranked third on the team and led the linebacker room … was the highest-graded defensive player on the team by the publication after receiving an 82.5 overall grade, which included a 87.8 grade as a pass rusher … overall grade ranked 15th in the FBS and was second in the Big 12, trailing only Kansas State’s Austin Romaine (90.8) … publication listed him with 22 total pressures on the season – 6 sacks, three quarterback hits and 13 other hurries – which ranked tied for 25th nationally among linebackers.
- AWARDS AND HONORS: named to the All-Big 12 first team by the conference coaches and Associated Press … became only the third inside linebacker to garner All-Big 12 first team accolades by the conference coaches, joining Dakota Allen (2018) and Jordyn Brooks (2019) … tabbed an honorable mention All-America selection by Phil Steele following the season … was also part of Phil Steele’s All-Big 12 first team as well as the All-Texas first team compiled by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … earned two weekly awards during the season after being tabbed the Chuck Bednarik National Player of the Week on Oct. 8 following Texas Tech’s win at Arizona as well as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 4 following the win at Iowa State … recognized as the visiting team Defensive Player of the Game for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, marking the second-consecutive season to be honored for a bowl performance … preseason candidate as part of the Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list.
- IN NCAA RANKINGS: among the national leaders in both tackle categories, finishing as high as third for both solo tackles (77) and solo tackles per game (5.9) … was also tied for seventh for total tackles (127) and 12th for total tackles per game (9.8) … in takeaway categories, ranked tied for 14th in forced fumbles and tied for 19th with two fumble recoveries … his 97 tackles versus conference opponents were the fourth-highest total in the FBS, trailing only Buffalo’s Shaun Dolac (106), UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger (102) and Buffalo’s Red Murdock (100) … averaged 10.0 tackles per game in Texas Tech’s six road or neutral site games, which was tied for 14th overall nationally … boosted the Red Raiders’ strong November run with 11.75 tackles per game during the month, which was tied for seventh in the FBS.
- IN BIG 12 RANKINGS: led the conference in four categories: total tackles (127), total tackles per game (9.77), solo tackles per game (5.9) and total solo tackles (77) … was tied for second in the league with two fumble recoveries and was tied for third with his three forced fumbles … also ranked tied for seventh for tackles for loss (10.5), 11 for total sacks (5.0) and 13th for sacks per game (0.38) … led the league with 97 tackles against conference foes and a 10.78 average.
- SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
- Began the season with 13 tackles, including 2.0 for a loss, to go along with a forced fumble and pass breakup in the overtime win over Abilene Christian (8/31) … marked a career high for tackles at the time, a mark that would be snapped again later in the season … halted ACU’s second drive of the game with his first forced fumble of the season that was recovered by De’Braylon Carroll, setting up a two-play touchdown drive for an early 15-0 lead … his 2.0 tackles for loss in the win marked a career high as well.
- Combined for eight stops over the two remaining non-conference games with seven tackles at Washington State (9/7) and one stop in the win over North Texas (9/14) … added his first of five quarterback hurries on the year against North Texas to end the first defensive drive of the second half with a failed third-down conversion, resulting in a punt.
- Kicked off Big 12 play with nine tackles in the win over Arizona State (9/21), including one for a loss … stopped an Arizona State drive with a two-yard loss on first down early in the second quarter, which set up an eventual field goal.
- Reached double digits for tackles in six of the next seven games with 11 versus Cincinnati (9/28), 12 versus Baylor (10/19) and at Oklahoma State (11/23), 13 at both Arizona (10/5) and Iowa State (11/2) and then a career-high 17 stops against Colorado (11/9) … only exception during that stretch was five stops at TCU (10/26) … had at least a share of a tackle for loss in four of those six games in double digits.
- Recovered a key fumble to quickly halt Cincinnati’s first drive of the second half, the second of his career at the time … the Red Raiders went 38 yards from there, finding the endzone on a Tahj Brooks 2-yard touchdown run to take a 31-24 lead … part of 11 tackles, included one for a loss, and a quarterback hurry in the win over the Bearcats that moved Texas Tech to 2-0 in Big 12 play.
- Tabbed the Chuck Bednarik Award National Defensive Player of the Week following his performance at Arizona, which included a key sack, a forced fumble and a pass breakup that led to an interception … first career sack came on the second play of the game for Arizona, sending the Wildcats back 16-yards for an eventual punt … knocked a pass attempt into the air near the line of scrimmage just before halftime, falling to defensive lineman Quincy Ledet Jr., who returned the interception 20 yards to the Arizona 30-yard line … the Red Raiders scored six plays later on a Tahj Brooks 9-yard touchdown to take a 15-3 lead … helped seal the victory by forcing a key fumble with just over two minutes remaining in regulation, knocking loose a completed pass to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian that was recovered by Brenden Jordan and set up another Brooks touchdown run for a 28-19 lead … was the highest-graded linebacker by Pro Football Focus for week six among those with 25 defensive snaps, finishing with an initial grade of 92.3 overall.
- An essential part of another road win at Iowa State with 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and other perfectly-timed forced fumble … halted Iowa State’s opening drive of the second half by forcing a fumble on a completion to Greg Burkle that was recovered by Chapman Lewis … followed the next drive with his second sack in the win to force a 3-and-out by the Cyclones … previously found quarterback Rocco Becht for a one-yard loss and a sack late in the second half as part of another 3-and-out drive … named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following the performance.
- Snapped his career high with his 17 tackles in the loss to Colorado, finishing with 1.5 tackles for loss, a solo sack and two quarterback hurries … marked the most tackles by a Red Raider since Krishon Merriweather had the same total at Oklahoma State midway through the 2022 season.
- Again delivered the key play in the win at Oklahoma State with an interception and fumble recovery for a touchdown to go along with his 12 tackles and quarterback hurry … extended Texas Tech’s lead to 56-42 with 4:41 remaining in regulation after racing to fall on an errant snap that went into the endzone for a defensive touchdown … intercepted the Cowboys with seven seconds remaining to seal the victory and guarantee the Red Raiders their third-consecutive winning record in Big 12 play … was the second interception of his career.
- Rounded out the regular season with five tackles and a pass breakup in the rout over West Virginia (11/30) … outing included his final sack of the season, which resulted in a 10-yard loss midway through the opening quarter … later chipped in nine tackles in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl versus Arkansas (12/27), including one for a two-yard loss.
2023 SEASON (JUNIOR)
- Redshirt season … member of the captains circle entering the season … projected to make a big impact at linebacker before suffering a significant injury in the first game of the season at Wyoming (9/2) … limited to only five games played with four starts … missed eight games total, including seven-straight after the Wyoming contest.
- Part of Texas Tech’s three wins in November to reach bowl eligibility but sat out the regular season finale at Texas (11/24) to preserve his redshirt season … still managed to make 32 tackles on the season (21 solo), including 1.0 for a loss … turned into a ballhawk of sorts, contributing to three takeaways in his limited role … recorded two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception, while also adding a quarterback hurry and two pass breakups … averaged 6.4 tackles per game over his five contests.
- Still managed to play in 249 defensive snaps on the season according to Pro Football Focus … was among Texas Tech’s highest-graded players by the publication, finishing at 76.3 overall, which led the linebacker room.
- AWARDS AND HONORS: tabbed the Defensive MVP of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
- SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
- Began the season with two tackles prior to his injury midway through the first quarter at Wyoming (9/2) … injury came in the aftermath of him stripping Wyoming running back D.Q. James and recovering the fumble for Texas Tech’s second takeaway of the quarter … the Red Raiders responded with a 54-yard field goal from Gino Garcia to take a 17-0 lead on the ensuing possession.
- Unable to return until November in the win over TCU (11/2) … notched six tackles off the bench against the Horned Frogs … followed with four stops at Kansas (11/11), including one for a loss, as part of his highest-graded performance of the season (79.2) by PFF … set a new career high with 12 tackles against UCF (11/18), his final outing of the regular season … was his first time to reach double digits in tackles at that point in his career … added his first of two pass breakups on the season and a quarterback hurry against the Knights.
- Named the Defensive MVP of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against Cal (12/16) after recording eight tackles, a forced fumble and an interception … both takeaways came in the fourth quarter to push the Red Raiders to their third-consecutive bowl victory over a power-five opponent … punched the ball loose on Cal’s first drive of the quarter, which was recovered by Malik Dunlap near the Red Raider sideline … stepped in front of a pass on Cal’s next possession for his first career interception … key part of a Texas Tech defense that shut out the Golden Bears over the final three quarters.
2022 SEASON (SOPHOMORE)
- Made a successful transition from the offensive side of the ball to the linebacker room during debut season as a Red Raider … appeared in 12 of 13 games as a key contributor at linebacker as well as on special teams.
- Totaled 29 tackles (17 solo), including 3.0 that went for a loss … inserted often on passing downs, reaching the backfield with three quarterback hurries and a forced fumble … recorded at least one tackle in 11 of his 12 games played and had multiple stops in eight of those contests …
- Credited with playing in 153 defensive snaps by Pro Football Focus as well as an additional 158 snaps on special teams … ranked sixth on the team for total special teams snaps … saw action on nearly all of Texas Tech’s special teams units, namely kickoff return, kickoff coverage as well as punt return and punt coverage … recorded two of his tackles on the year via kickoff coverage … one of five players with multiple special teams tackles.
- SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
- Opened his Red Raider career with four tackles, including one for a loss, in the season-opening win over Murray State (9/3) … tackle for loss came on a 3rd-and-2 play to start the fourth quarter that forced the Racers to punt … notched four tackles again in the non-conference finale at N.C. State (9/17), sharing one of those for a loss.
- Started Big 12 play with one tackle in back-to-back games against Texas (9/24) and at Kansas State (10/1) … followed with two tackles at Oklahoma State (10/8) to go along with a pair of quarterback hurries.
- Put together possibly his best performance of the year in the win over West Virginia (10/22) with four stops, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble … created his first career takeaway late in the third quarter with a forced fumble that was recovered by Tyrique Matthews … gave the Red Raiders the ball at the 50, setting up an eventual SaRodorick Thompson touchdown to break the game open with a 38-10 lead.
- Set a career high with five tackles the next week against Baylor (10/29) … closed the regular season with two tackles at TCU (11/5) and against Kansas (11/12) as well as one stop at Iowa State (11/19) … one of his two tackles at TCU was a shared TFL that set up a 3-and-out by the Horned Frogs early in the second half … injured late in the win at Iowa State, forcing him to miss the regular-season finale against Oklahoma (11/26) … returned for the TaxAct Texas Bowl win over Ole Miss (12/28), finishing with three tackles and a tackle for loss.
PRIOR TO TEXAS TECH
- Transferred to Texas Tech after one season at the University of Virginia ... appeared in 12 games for the Cavaliers as a true freshman, playing an assortment of positions ... was utilized at quarterback - a position he played in high school - as well as wide receiver, tight end and running back.
- Made his collegiate debut in the season opener versus William & Mary, rushing three times for 31 yards, including 24 yards on his second career carry ... totaled 10 carries on the season for 56 yards overall, while adding eight receptions for 65 yards ... longest catch of the year went for 17 yards at North Carolina (9/18) ... totaled 24 receiving yards at Miami (9/30).
HIGH SCHOOL
- Attended Rider High School in Wichita Falls, Texas ... was a four sport athlete in high school with basketball, baseball, and track and field as well as football … played quarterback and safety for head coach Marc Bindel in a highly-successful three-year run for the Raiders.
- Rider made two trips to the Class 5A Division II state semifinals during his career, which came during his sophomore and senior campaigns … reached the state quarterfinal round his junior season … part of the winningest senior class in school history with 11 playoff victories following his senior year … impressive for a school that has produced recent standouts like JT Barrett (Ohio State), Eric Ward (Texas Tech) and Aaron Taylor (Nebraska), among others.
- Passed for 7,085 yards and 68 touchdowns, while adding 3,051 yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground during his prep career … tabbed the District 3-5A MVP as a senior and was the District Co-MVP as a junior … completed 199-of-344 pass attempts as a junior for 3,003 yards and 33 touchdowns, while rushing 149 times for 1,247 yards.
- Completed 99-of-185 passes for 1,602 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore … was a factor on the ground that season with 183 attempts for 1,301 yards, earning District 3-5A Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors in the process … was also a free safety for the Rider defense in addition to his role at quarterback.
- Ranked as a four-star prospect in the 2021 class by ESPN and a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … part of the ESPN300 as the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 31 player in the state of Texas … was the No. 40 athlete in the country by 247Sports and the No. 87 player in Texas … received 16 scholarship offers, choosing Virginia over the likes of Baylor, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas State and Texas Tech.
PERSONAL
- Jacob Rodriguez … son of Joe and Ann Rodriguez … both parents graduated from Mankato State University … younger brother of Katie, Nicole, Joshua, and Jeremiah.
- Married his wife, Emma, in July 2023 in Houston ... wife is currently a helicopter pilot on active duty in the U.S. Army.
- Career goal is to join the coaching profession following the completion of his playing time.
- Earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies from Texas Tech in Dec. 2024 ... enrolled in post-baccalaureate courses at Texas Tech.
Behren Morton Media Availability
Tuesday, September 16
Jayden Cofield Media Availability
Tuesday, September 16
Terrance Carter Jr. Media Availability
Tuesday, September 16
Kenny Perry Media Availability
Tuesday, September 16
