When it comes to defensive players at the college football level, few are as exciting as Jacob Rodriguez, the do-it-all linebacker from Texas Tech who has forced his way into the Heisman conversation through his once-in-a-lifetime season in Lubbock.
And in Week 12, Rodriguez strengthened that case even further with another exemplary showing, recording nine tackles, a pass defensed, and a particularly sweet interception in the Red Raiders’ 48-9 routing of the UCF Knights, tying him for the most picks of any linebacker in the nation.
Discussing his chances of securing the Heisman as a linebacker, a feat not seen since Ernie Davis in 1961, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire told reporters after the BYU game that he feels Rodriguez deserves to be in consideration, as the award isn’t just for the best quarterback in the nation, but player in general…