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At the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez communicated with the same confidence and intent that characterized his impressive 2025 season. Most answers he gave revolved around having a team-first mentality and the importance of creating turnovers.
Rodriguez has established a national reputation for his forced fumbles, often referred to as "peanut punches," but he views it not merely as a skill but as a duty.
"Taking the ball away is the most significant predictor of winning a game," Rodriguez stated. "That’s the essence of playing defense. We need to get the ball back to the offense."
This mindset propelled him to one of the most successful defensive seasons in college football, yet in Mobile, he emphasized his awareness of the balance needed at the next level. While aggression is important, understanding the situation is even more crucial. "There are moments when I need to improve on securing a tackle," he noted. "On first and second downs, you can take risks. On third down, your goal is to get off the field. I don’t need to make a heroic play every time."
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His level of self criticism was notable during a week when players typically focus on showcasing their strengths rather than recognizing areas for improvement. Taking on a high-communication role in an all-star environment can be tough, but Jacob has welcomed the challenge. "You have to learn everyone’s name, study the playbook, and then just do your job," he explained. "As a Mike linebacker, my responsibility is to get everyone lined up and set them up for success. That’s just as crucial as making tackles…You can’t just talk at people and expect them to respond," he added. "You need to genuinely care about them. Once you establish that relationship, communication improves. You trust each other more and hold one another accountable."
Even when addressing physical mismatches, such as covering larger tight ends, Jacob relied on preparation and technique instead of size. "You’re not always going to be the biggest or strongest player," he remarked. "You have to trust your leverage, your positioning, and your training.
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When asked about the people who shaped his path, Rodriguez did not hesitate to point back to Lubbock and his head coach at Texas Tech Red Raiders.
“I owe a lot to Coach Joey McGuire,” Rodriguez said. “He’s been there for me every step of my college career. He always trusted me and believed in me. I love him like a father. He’s done more for me and my family than I could ever imagine.”
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