Tony Thomas
Writer
Since the first bronze statue was awarded to University of Chicago halfback Jay Berwanger in 1935, the coveted Heisman Trophy has been, primarily, an offensive award. However, there have been two notable exceptions.
In 1997, Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson hoisted the hardware as the first primarily defensive player to win the award. Woodson did log time and touchdowns at wide receiver and as a kick returner on special teams.
Last season, Colorado DB Travis Hunter became the second defensive player to win the coveted bronze statue. In addition, Hunter lined up and produced at wide receiver.
Of course, the so-called experts may argue that a pure defender will never win the Heisman. But in a sport that is drowning in a sea of change on a yearly basis, both with NIL and the transfer portal, why not award the most coveted and prestigious trophy in college football to a player who plays strictly on defense?
One who plays like a human wrecking ball, smiles like the Grinch as he mucks up your offensive game plan, and wears a cool mustache.
If there was ever a defender that earned, at the very least, a chair in NYC as a finalist at the Heisman ceremony, it is Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, affectionately known as J-Rod.
Rodriguez is a madman on the gridiron. How mad, you ask? This is his stat line:
100 tackles
4 INTs
1 rushing touchdown
1 fumble return for a touchdown
9.5 tackles for loss
6 pass breakups
7 forced fumbles
Rodriguez is a disruptor of the highest order. The only way he can be stopped is by his not playing because the Red Raiders are in a bye this week.
Giving offensive coordinators fits, Rodriguez attacks from all over the field with laser precision and a strong desire to separate the ball from the ball carrier with extreme prejudice.
Through 11 games, Rodriguez has posted five games of double-digit tackles, including a season-high 14 stops in wins over Kansas and BYU.
As a finalist for both the Butkus Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Rodriguez began his collegiate career as a freshman quarterback at Virginia in 2021.
After one season with the Cavaliers, Rodriguez entered the transfer portal and landed in Lubbock at Texas Tech. He decided to switch positions to linebacker. It was a position he had not played before. Now he has produced one of the best seasons ever in college football from the defensive side of the ball.
On Saturday vs. UCF, Rodriguez took the direct snap and ran it in for a 2-yard touchdown run, his first offensive touchdown of the season. And then he struck a “Heisman pose.” Rodriguez’s athleticism and versatility cannot be overlooked.
The Red Raiders are 10-1 on the season, 7-1 in Big 12 Conference play, and ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings. With one game left to play, the Red Raiders have their sights set on Arlington, TX, and the Big 12 Title Game on December 6.
Heisman voters should have their sights set on Lubbock, TX, and the Tasmanian Devil Rodriguez lining up at linebacker for Texas Tech, one who hits like a freight train, flashes a devilish grin, and shows off the coolest mustache in college football.
Tony Thomas
Writer
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