For any college football program to have one of its players selected as a finalist for any individual award is a great honor for the player and the team. Having teammates comprise two of the four finalist positions is a rare sign of having multiple elite players at a certain level. It was exactly what happened for Joey McGuire’s Texas Tech team when the Lombardi Award announced its finalists in mid-November. But on Wednesday, only one Red Raider could call themselves this season’s Lombardi Award Winner. That distinct honor was given to linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
Lombardi Award Winner Is The Newest Title For Rodriguez
While the All-American linebacker was snubbed from Heisman finalist contention, the Lombardi Award is the third individual award he has received. Friday night before the Big 12 championship, he was presented with the Butkus Award. On Monday, he took home the Bronko Nagurski award, presented to the best defensive player in college football. These numbers, which included the Big 12 championship, stack higher than a local diner’s pancakes. Rodriguez finished with 117 tackles, 11 of which were for a loss. He was responsible for 11 turnovers—four interceptions and seven forced fumbles. That accounted for nearly one-third of the Red Raiders’ defensive takeaways. Those takeaways rank number one nationally.
The trophy case for Rodriguez is filling up quickly. He is the heart and soul of one of the best defenses in the country. While all the individual accolades are nice, he and his Texas Tech teammates have their sights set on one last trophy. An Orange Bowl date with likely the Oregon Ducks is the first hill for them to conquer. This team has been led by its defense all season. Rodriquez and company are looking to show the country just how good this defense is and hoist a national championship trophy.
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