Texas Tech is now two weeks into fall camp, and veteran linebacker Jacob Rodriguez speaks highly of his defense. When asked what looks different compared to years past, Rodriguez had this to say:
“Intensity in practice — I think everybody in every single practice comes to work and they all kind of know what it should look like. They want to be the best and want to try as hard as they can. Not saying that wasn’t the case in the past, but this year especially. Somebody different is speaking up each day and trying to get everyone going, and we’ve had that drive all the way through nine practices now, we just have to continue that way.”
The overlooked intensity of Texas Tech’s defense
Rodriguez explained that every player on defense has a clear role, a mindset shaped by defensive coordinator Shiel Wood. He emphasizes a fast-paced defense that demands urgency and energy on every play. This approach has sparked a new fire in the defense, pushing players to execute their roles while feeding off each other’s energy
“I think we are doing a great job of running to the ball right now. I think that everbody is bought into what coach Wood and the whole defensive staff is preaching to us every day. You know it’s exciting whenever somebody runs to the ball, especially somebody like (Jayden) Cofield who’s 335 pounds and sprints down on a screen to go and tackle a perimeter screen, like that’s so much fun to watch…