Texas Tech University Athletics
Rodriguez named National Defensive Player of the Week
October 08, 2024 | Football
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez was named the Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week on Tuesday, the Maxwell Football Club announced. The honor recognizes the most outstanding defensive player of the week nationally – for week six of the college football season.
Rodriguez played a pivotal role in Texas Tech's 28-22 win at Arizona on Oct. 5 that pushed the Red Raiders to a 5-1 record and a Big 12 best 3-0 mark.
He was the highest-graded PFF defensive player across the nation in week six of the college football season as he recorded 13 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.
Rodriguez's impact started early, recording a sack for a loss of 16 yards on the second play of the game. The Red Raiders' interception late in the second quarter, caught by Quincy Ledet Jr., was a pass deflected at the line of scrimmage by Rodriguez. The offense took over at the 30-yard line, scored eight points off the turnover, and gave Texas Tech a 15-3 lead with under two minutes remaining in the half.
He ultimately turned the tide for the Red Raiders with a pivotal forced fumble late in the game, punching the ball away from Arizona standout wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian, giving Texas Tech the ball back with 2:21 left in the game, and a 21-19 lead. Tahj Brooks later sealed the win with a 32-yard touchdown run - increasing the Red Raiders' total points scored off turnovers to 18, 15 of which were a direct result of Rodriguez being involved in the play.
Rodriguez leads Texas Tech this season in tackles (54) and tackles for loss (4.5) in six games played.
Texas Tech is on its bye week before hosting the Baylor on Oct. 19.
ABOUT THE MAXWELL FOOTBALL CLUB
The Maxwell Football Club was founded in 1935 and is the oldest football organization of its kind in America. The Club recognizes excellence in performance at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of the game. The Maxwell Club is also deeply involved and fully vested in the community through programs to promote academic excellence, community volunteerism, and leadership.
The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.
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Rodriguez played a pivotal role in Texas Tech's 28-22 win at Arizona on Oct. 5 that pushed the Red Raiders to a 5-1 record and a Big 12 best 3-0 mark.
He was the highest-graded PFF defensive player across the nation in week six of the college football season as he recorded 13 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.
Rodriguez's impact started early, recording a sack for a loss of 16 yards on the second play of the game. The Red Raiders' interception late in the second quarter, caught by Quincy Ledet Jr., was a pass deflected at the line of scrimmage by Rodriguez. The offense took over at the 30-yard line, scored eight points off the turnover, and gave Texas Tech a 15-3 lead with under two minutes remaining in the half.
He ultimately turned the tide for the Red Raiders with a pivotal forced fumble late in the game, punching the ball away from Arizona standout wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian, giving Texas Tech the ball back with 2:21 left in the game, and a 21-19 lead. Tahj Brooks later sealed the win with a 32-yard touchdown run - increasing the Red Raiders' total points scored off turnovers to 18, 15 of which were a direct result of Rodriguez being involved in the play.
Rodriguez leads Texas Tech this season in tackles (54) and tackles for loss (4.5) in six games played.
Texas Tech is on its bye week before hosting the Baylor on Oct. 19.
ABOUT THE MAXWELL FOOTBALL CLUB
The Maxwell Football Club was founded in 1935 and is the oldest football organization of its kind in America. The Club recognizes excellence in performance at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of the game. The Maxwell Club is also deeply involved and fully vested in the community through programs to promote academic excellence, community volunteerism, and leadership.
The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.
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Players Mentioned
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Friday, December 12
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Friday, December 12
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Thursday, December 11