Texas Tech University Athletics
Rodriguez named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
November 04, 2024 | Football
Jacob Rodriguez recorded 13 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and 2.0 sacks, in Texas Tech’s win over Iowa State
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech junior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after leading the Red Raiders with a team-leading 13 tackles in last Saturday's victory at No. 10 Iowa State.
This is the first career conference weekly honor for Rodriguez, who was previously named the Chuck Benarik Player of the Week on Oct. 8 for his performance in Texas Tech's other Big 12 road win at Arizona. He is the third Red Raider to receive a Big 12 weekly award this season, joining Drae McCray (Special Teams on Sept. 2) and Tahj Brooks (Offensive on Oct. 7).
Rodriguez recorded a team-leading 13 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and 2.0 sacks, while also forcing a key fumble in a strong defensive performance in Texas Tech's 23-22 victory over the Cyclones. Rodriguez matched his career high for tackles, while also setting new career marks for both sacks and tackles for loss in the Red Raiders' first road win over a team ranked in the top 10 of either poll since 2011.
It was the fifth double-digit tackle performance of the season for Rodriguez, who leads the Big 12 and ranks tied for eighth in the FBS with 84 total tackles this season. Rodriguez is averaging 10.5 stops per game in Big 12 play, easily the highest clip in the league as Arizona's Dalton Johnson ranks second overall at 9.2 tackles per game. Rodriguez is also the Big 12 leader with 63 total tackles during conference action.
Rodriguez forced his third fumble of the season to end Iowa State's opening drive of the second half as he punched out a completion to Gabe Burkle over the middle that was recovered by Chapman Lewis. The takeaway was one of two on the afternoon by the Red Raiders, stopping Iowa State's drive inside the Texas Tech 20-yard line.
Rodriguez will look to push the Red Raiders to back-to-back wins over ranked opponents this Saturday when Texas Tech hosts No. 21 Colorado. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. inside Jones AT&T Stadium with coverage provided nationally on FOX and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
