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Jersey Number 10
Jacob Rodriguez
- Position:
- Linebacker
- Height:
- 6-1
- Weight:
- 235
- Class:
- Senior
- Hometown:
- Wichita Falls, Texas
- High School:
- Rider
CAREER HONORS
CAREER NOTABLES
2025 SEASON (SENIOR)
2024 SEASON (REDSHIRT JUNIOR)
2023 SEASON (JUNIOR)
2022 SEASON (SOPHOMORE)
PRIOR TO TEXAS TECH
HIGH SCHOOL
PERSONAL
- Chuck Bednarik Award Winner (2025, Sr.)
- Butkus Award Winner (2025, Sr.)
- Lombardi Trophy Winner (2025, Sr.)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner (2025, Sr.)
- Heisman Trophy Finalist - finished fifth (2025, Sr.)
- Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2025, Sr.)
- Pony Express Award Winner w/ David Bailey (2025, Sr.)
- Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Finalist (2025, Sr.)
- FWAA All-America First Team (2025, Sr.)
- AP All-America First Team (2025, Sr.)
- USA TODAY Sports CFB All-America First Team (2025, Sr.)
- AFCA All-America First Team (2025, Sr.)
- Sporting News All-America First Team (2025, Sr.)
- On3 All-America First Team (2025, Sr.)
- The Athletic All-America First Team (2025, Sr.)
- Sporting Illustrated All-American: First Team (2025, Sr.)
- CBS Sports College Football All-America First Team (2025, Sr.)
- PFF All-America Team (2025, Sr.)
- PFF Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2025, Sr.)
- PFF All-Big 12 Team (2025, Sr.)
- DCTF Defensive Player of the Year (2025, Sr.)
- DCTF All-Texas College First Team (2025, Sr.)
- Panini Senior Bowl Game Invitee (2025, Sr.)
- Big 12 Championship Defensive Player of the Game (2025, Sr.)
- All-Big 12 First Team (2025, Sr.)
- Chuck Bednarik Award Finalist (2025, Sr.)
- Butkus Award Finalist (2025, Sr.)
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Finalist (2025, Sr.)
- Bronko Nagurski Finalist (2025, Sr.)
- Lombardi Award™ Finalist (2025, Sr.)
- Walter Camp National Player of the Year Semifinalist (2025, Sr.)
- Bednarik Award Semifinalist (2025, Sr.)
- Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week - Nov. 11 (2025, Sr.)
- Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week - Nov. 11 (2025, Sr.)
- Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week - Nov. 11 (2025, Sr.)
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalist (2025, Sr.)
- Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week - Nov. 10 (2025, Sr.)
- Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week - Nov. 10 (2025, Sr.)
- Shrine Bowl Defensive Player of the Week - Nov. 10 (2025, Sr.)
- Butkus Award Semifinalist (Nov. 4)
- Lombardi Award™ Semifinalist (Nov. 4)
- Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week - Nov. 3 (2025, Sr.)
- The Athletic Midseason All-America Team (2025, Sr.)
- Sporting Illustrated Midseason All-America Team (2025, Sr.)
- Sporting News Midseason All-America Team (2025, Sr.)
- Lombardi Award™ Midseason Watch List (2025, Sr.)
- Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Semifinalist (2025, Sr.)
- First-Team Midseason DCTF All-Texas CFB Team (2025, Sr.)
- CBS Sports Midseason All-America Team (2025, Sr.)
- William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist (2025, Sr.)
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week - Sept. 24 (2025, Sr.)
- Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week - Sept. 23 (2025, Sr.)
- Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week - Sept. 23 (2025, Sr.)
- Senior Bowl National Defensive Player of the Week - Sept. 23 (2025, Sr.)
- Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week - Sept. 22 (2025, Sr.)
- Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year (2025, Sr.)
- Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team (2025, Sr.)
- Lombardi Award Watch List (2025, Sr.)
- Bednarik Award Watch List (2025, Sr.)
- Butkus Award Watch List (2025, Sr.)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List (2025, Sr.)
- Shrine Bowl 1000 (2025, Sr.)
- Preseason DCTF All-Texas College first team (2025, Sr.)
- Preseason Phil Steele All-America second team (2025, Sr.)
- Preseason Phil Steele All-Big 12 first team (2025, Sr.)
- Preseason Athlon All-America fourth team (2025, Sr.)
- Preseason Athlon All-Big 12 first team (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.)
CAREER NOTABLES
- Closed his Red Raider career as one of the most-accomplished defensive players in program history … totaled 316 career tackles (178 solo) over his three full seasons as a Red Raider to go along with 25.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks … built his reputation on creating turnovers, racking up 13 forced fumbles, six interceptions and five fumble recoveries over his career … became the only FBS player since 2005 to record at least 300 career tackles, 10 forced fumbles, five interceptions and five fumble recoveries in a career.
2025 SEASON (SENIOR)
- Placed his name among the top Red Raiders in program history with a memorable senior season that resulted in a Big 12 title and numerous national awards … team captain and leader for a Red Raider defense that recorded the largest year-by-year improvement for both scoring (-23.0 points) and total yards allowed per game (-203.2) by any FBS program since 2000 … marked the second-consecutive season to be named a team captain and his third year to be part of at least the team’s leadership committee.
- Started all 14 games at linebacker, giving him 31 for his career, all at Texas Tech … was one of eight Red Raiders on the defensive side of the ball to start in all 14 games and one of 15 players on the team to do so.
- Put together one of the top statistical seasons for a linebacker in recent memory, finishing with 128 tackles (63 solo), 11.0 tackles for loss and a sack … his story was dictated by takeaways, however, with seven forced fumbles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries … added six pass breakups and a quarterback hurry to lead the Red Raiders defensively … was the team leader for tackles and forced fumbles and shared the team high for fumble recoveries … finished tied for second for interceptions and was third overall for tackles for loss, trailing only David Bailey (19.5) and Romello Height (11.5).
- Became the first FBS player dating back to 2005 to record at least five forced fumbles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries all in the same season … only the 22nd FBS player and the second Red Raider to record seven or more forced fumbles in a season since the NCAA began tracking the category in 2000, joining Dwayne Slay, who had 8 in 2005 … ultimately finished with 19 takeaways for his career, including nine as a senior … ability to create turnovers helped the Red Raiders lead the FBS with 32 takeaways and rank among the nation’s leaders in most defensive categories.
- Combined with not only Bailey and Height but also Lee Hunter to give the Red Raiders four players with at least 10.0 tackles for loss … Texas Tech was one of only two FBS teams with four or more players with that total, joining only Indiana … marked the first time a Big 12 program had four players with at least 10.0 tackles for loss since Oklahoma State in 2021.
- Formed one of the nation’s top linebacking duos with Ben Roberts … were only the fourth pair of teammates and the first from a power conference to both record 90 tackles with at least four interceptions in a season dating back to 2005, joining Connecticut’s Danny Lansanah and Scott Lutrus in 2007, Houston’s Adrian McDonald and Trevon Stewart in 2013 and UNLV’s Jalen Catalon Jackson Woodard in 2024 … of that group, only the UConn duo both consisted of linebackers … were the only FBS duo since 2005 to record 90 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries in a season.
- Finished with 10 or more tackles in seven games overall, all in Big 12 play or in the College Football Playoff … ended his career with 15 games with double-digit tackles … had at least three tackles in every game and had four or more stops in every Big 12 contest … tackle total was slow to start the season thanks to three blowout victories during non-conference play … notched at least a share of a tackle for loss in all but three games and was the team leader for tackles in eight different contests.
- Ended the season as the nation’s third-highest rated player in the country by Pro Football Focus with a 93.0 overall grade … trailed only his teammate in David Bailey (93.3) and Central Michigan’ Michael Heldman (93.2) … the Red Raiders had three of the top-five players nationally as well with Romello Height (92.5) just behind in a tie for fifth overall … was the publication’s highest-graded player in rush defense with a 94.8 grade … ranked fifth overall with a 92.3 coverage grade, which was second among linebackers … credited with 772 total defensive snaps by PFF, which ranked fifth on the team … was not called for a penalty in any of those snaps.
- Turned into a two-way player late in the season, entering the game on offense as a Wildcat quarterback … returned to his roots after signing with Virginia out of high school as a scholarship quarterback … was one of the top quarterbacks in the storied history of Wichita Falls Rider High School as well … both of his carries on the season went for touchdowns with a two-yard run against UCF (11/15) and a one-yard scamper up the middle at West Virginia (11/29) … tried to throw for a touchdown against the Mountaineers as well but was intercepted.
- HEISMAN TROPHY VOTING: finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting with 295 points, trailing only eventual winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana (2,362) as well as Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432) … had the fourth-most first place votes with 17 to go along with 56 second-place nods and 132 for third place … became the fourth Red Raider in program history to finish in the top five of the Heisman Voting, joining running back Donny Anderson (4th place in 1965), quarterback Graham Harrell (4th in 2008) and wide receiver Michael Crabtree (5th in 2008) … marked the highest a strictly defensive player has finished since Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was second in the voting in 2021 … only the 10th linebacker in history to finish in the top five of the Heisman voting and the third since 1995 alone, joining Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o (2012) and Alabama’s Will Anderson (2021) … won the Heisman fan vote thanks to the support of Red Raider Nation.
- NATIONAL AWARDS: nearly swept all the major defensive awards after being named the winner of the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker), the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defensive player), the Chuck Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player) and the Lombardi Trophy (nation’s top lineman or linebacker) … became the first Red Raider to win any of those four awards … just the third player in history to win the Butkus Award, Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award all in the same season, joining Miami’s Dan Morgan (2000) and Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o (2012) … of that group, only Te’o also won the Lombardi Award … combined with David Bailey to win the Pony Express Award, which is presented to college football’s most-outstanding duo, regardless of position … named a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year and Walter Camp National Player of the Year.
- ALL-AMERICA RECOGNITION: as a unanimous first team All-America selection by all five NCAA-recognized organizations in the Associated Press, USA Today, FWAA, AFCA and Sporting News … joined with teammate Jacob Rodriguez to become the seventh and eighth unanimous first team All-Americans in program history and the first since tight end Jace Amaro in 2013 … joined Ring of Honor member Zach Thomas (1995) as the only linebackers in school history to collect unanimous first team All-America status … joined with both Thomas and Thomas Howard (1976) as the only linebackers in school history to be recognized as a first team All-American by an NCAA-recognized organization … tabbed a first team All-American by the likes of On3, CBS Sports, The Athletic, Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Focus as well.
- ADDITIONAL AWARDS AND HONORS: became the first Red Raider in school history to be named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by the conference coaches … tabbed to the All-Big 12 first team for the second-consecutive season … became the eighth Red Raider in school history to be a multi-year All-Big 12 first team selection and the third from the defensive side of the ball, joining defensive end Montae Reagor (1997-98) and safety Kevin Curtis (1999-2000) … was also the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Big 12 first team honoree by the Associated Press … recognized as the Defensive Player of the Game following Texas Tech’s win in the Edward Jones Big 12 Championship … selected as the Defensive Player of the Year for the state of Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … part of the publication’s All-Texas first team as well … tabbed the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week three times on the season - on Sept. 22 following the win at Utah, Nov. 3 after the win at Kansas State and Nov. 10 following victory over BYU … named the National Defensive Player of the Week by the Senior Bowl, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Lott Impact Trophy and the Walter Camp Foundation for his efforts at Utah (Sept. 23) … repeated as the National Defensive Player of the Week again after the BYU victory with recognition by the Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl, Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Bagurski Trophy and the Walter Camp Foundation … member of the Shrine Bowl 1,000 list prior to the season … tabbed the Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in a vote of media ahead of the league’s media days event.
- IN NCAA RANKINGS: was the FBS leader with seven forced fumbles and shared the national high for forced fumbles per game (0.50) with Buffalo’s Red Murdock … closed the year ranked 12th for total tackles (128) and 17th for total tackles per game (9.1) … recorded 100 of his tackles versus a conference opponent (includes the Big 12 Championship), which was the third-highest total in college football … was the only FBS player in the country with at least 100 tackles, five forced fumbles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries … key member of a defense that led the country in rushing yards allowed per game (68.1) and takeaways (32) and was third for both scoring allowed (11.8) and total defense (258.3) … only the second FBS player since 2005 to record at least 100 tackles, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and a rushing touchdown, joining Pitt’s Jordan Whitehead (2015).
- IN BIG 12 RANKINGS: was easily the conference leader for forced fumbles as his seven were more than double the total for any other league player … was second in the conference for both total tackles (128) and tackles per game (9.1) and was tied for fourth with four interceptions … as a team, the Red Raiders were the conference leader for rushing defense (68.1), scoring defense (11.8) and total defense (258.3).
- SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
- Departed the first three games of the season early thanks to blowout victories throughout non-conference play … combined for 17 tackles over that stretch with three stops and a pass breakup versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff (8/30) and seven tackles versus both Kent State (9/6) and Oregon State (9/13) … knocked out his first forced fumble of the season versus the Golden Flashes, which was recovered by Kent State … added a tackle for loss later on that same drive, setting up an eventual turnover on downs … shared a tackle for loss a week later with Lee Hunter early in the third quarter against Oregon State.
- Began generating significant national recognition a week later with his play in the Big 12 opener at Utah (9/20) … led the Red Raiders with 11 tackles in the win to go along with a forced fumble and an interception … responsible for two of Texas Tech’s four takeaways in the win, with the first being a forced fumble late in the first quarter that was recovered by A.J. Holmes near midfield … later picked off Utah quarterback Devon Dampier on fourth down late in the fourth quarter, sealing the win in what was only his third career interception at the time … previously stuffed Utah for a one-yard loss alongside Brice Pollock to force fourth down and a punt on Utah’s second drive of the third quarter … garnered Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors as well as numerous National Defensive Player of the Week accolades for his performance.
- Added another key interception two weeks later at Houston (9/20) in a dominant defensive performance … baited Houston quarterback Conner Weigman on a pass over the middle, returning the interception 26 yards to the Cougars’ 25-yard line … interception set up a J’Koby Williams 5-yard touchdown run to push Texas Tech’s lead to 22-3 early in the second quarter … also set a season high with 2.0 tackles for loss and a pair of pass breakups, including one on 4th-and-2 to start the fourth quarter … pass breakup gave the Red Raiders the ball back in plus territory, setting up another eventual rushing touchdown by Williams for a 35-11 lead.
- Began a streak of three-consecutive games with double-digit tackles against Kansas (10/11) with a season-high 14 stops, including 1.5 for a loss … stuffed Kansas for a one-yard loss alongside A.J. Holmes Jr. on its first drive of the second half, forcing a punt to give the ball back to the Red Raiders, who needed only five plays to find the end zone for a 28-17 lead … added another key third-down stop later in the third quarter by sacking Jalon Daniels for a nine-yard loss to force another punt … the Red Raiders took advantage again, needing six plays this time to find the end zone for a 35-17 lead.
- Followed with 12 tackles, a tackle for loss, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup in Texas Tech’s lone regular-season loss at Arizona State (10/18) … both forced fumbles came inside the red zone but were either recovered by the Sun Devils or went out of bounds … stuffed Arizona State for a two-yard loss to start the fourth quarter, setting up a field goal to give the Sun Devils a 19-7 lead.
- In a season full of memorable moments, one of his most-viewed plays came a week later in a home win over Oklahoma State (10/25) … showed his ability to strip the football by ripping the football from Oklahoma State running back Sesi Vailahi at the line of scrimmage and returning the fumble 69 yards for a touchdown … was the first of three touchdowns on the season and his lone one as a defensive player, pushing the lead to 28-0 with 5:22 remaining before halftime … forced fumble was part of 10 tackles in the shutout win over the Cowboys.
- Heisman campaign turned up another notch a week later with two key forced fumbles in Texas Tech’s first win at Kansas State (11/1) since 2008 … identified a screen pass over the middle midway through the second quarter, punching loose a fumble that was recovered by Brice Pollock at the K-State 19-yard line … the Red Raiders scored five plays later on a Cameron Dickey 1-yard run up the middle for a 9-7 lead … raced downfield to the ball to create his other forced fumble, which was recovered by Cole Wisniewski … fumble recovery gave the Red Raiders the ball near midfield for their first drive of the second half, which was capped by a 41-yard touchdown scamper from J’Koby Williams for a 19-7 lead … marked his fifth forced fumble in a three-game stretch … later broke up an Avery Johnson pass on 3rd-and-10 in the fourth quarter, a play before a Ben Roberts interception.
- Matched his season high with 14 tackles, including one for a loss, to go along with an interception and fumble recovery in the regular-season win over BYU (11/8) … another key performance in front of a national TV audience on ABC as both takeaways led to points in a dominant defensive performance … picked off BYU quarterback midway through the third quarter, returning the interception eight yards to just outside the red zone … later fell on a loose fumble following a Lee Hunter sack late in the fourth quarter, sealing the Red Raiders’ win … both takeaways eventually led to Stone Harrington field goal makes … marked his ninth-consecutive game with at least a share of a tackle for loss.
- Came close to double digits for tackles again in the Senior Day win over UCF (11/15), finishing with nine stops to go along with a pass breakup and another interception … picked off UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson late in the second quarter, returning it seven yards to give the Red Raiders the ball at the Knights’ 23-yard line … the Red Raiders scored three plays later to take a 35-2 lead … entered as a Wildcat quarterback for the first time earlier in the game, rushing up the middle for a two-yard touchdown to give the Red Raiders a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter … became the first Red Raider defensive player to score an offensive touchdown since Jaylon Hutchings had a 1-yard touchdown run in the 2022 regular-season finale versus Oklahoma.
- Closed the regular season with four tackles, including a shared stop for a loss, in Texas Tech’s second shutout win of the season at West Virginia (11/29) … was back in the Wildcat formation for the second-consecutive week, scoring Texas Tech’s opening touchdown on a 1-yard scamper up the middle for an early 7-0 lead … followed on next defensive possession with a tackle for loss that led to an eventual West Virginia punt.
- Named the Defensive Player of the Game at the Edward Jones Big 12 Championship versus BYU (12/6) after recording 13 tackles, including two shared stops for a loss … recorded eight of his 13 tackles as part of a second-half shutout for the Red Raiders … helped lead Texas Tech to its first Big 12 title in school history and its first outright conference crown since 1955.
- Shined again in the College Football Playoff with 11 tackles versus Oregon (1/1) in the Capital One Orange Bowl … combined with David Bailey to stop an Oregon fourth-down attempt to start the second half in a strong defensive performance.
- ALL-STAR GAME INVITATION: was a defensive standout during practices ahead of the Panini Senior Bowl … did not participate in the game but was one of five Red Raiders invited for the weeklong activities in Mobile in front of personnel from all 32 teams.
- NFL SCOUTING COMBINE: one of a school-record eight Red Raiders to receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
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.
Joey McGuire Spring Football Preview Press Conference
Thursday, March 05
What's Next! With Joey McGuire: Episode 35
Wednesday, March 04
I Am: Julien Laventure
Wednesday, March 04
I Am: Kirk Francis
Tuesday, March 03
