Interview: 3-Star 2021 Texas Dual-Threat Jacob Rodriguez Covers MVP Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The Spread attack for Rider High School was in full-swing during the 2019 season and Jacob Rodriguez was the mastermind behind the onslaught. The Raiders went four-deep into the 5A Texas playoffs seeing their dual-threat slice apart the competition guiding the team to a 39-point per game average on the scoreboard. Rodriguez earned Co-District MVP and Red River Big School MVP honors after throwing for 4,250 yards with 33 touchdowns finding the end zone another 16 times on the ground. Eight programs have already identified Rodriguez as the man who can lead their teams to victory at the collegiate level, with the list of the interested rising.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top rising dual-threat quarterbacks in the 2021 class learning more about his skills on the gridiron with a look into his early recruiting options.
Interview
Jacob, you were doing a little bit of everything last season, not only on offense but also on defense. How did the 2019 season go for you overall?
“It was good, but there is still more to it from a team aspect. We should have gone further and taken our shot at the title game. Overall it was a good season.”
On offense, you were a brute as a dual-threat running the ball like a linebacker. How did that part of your game take over last season?
“It helped me from my sophomore season as more of a running guy and screens guy then. This season I threw more and more effectively. That running style helped me do everything to mess with defenders – running around them, through them and over them.”
The Raiders were running a Spread last year, how did your game improve as a passing quarterback within the scheme?
“It improved tremendously. Before that, I’ve ran a Spread my whole life but you don’t throw much before high school. Working with our coaches and playing 7v7 over the summer, that helped my arm, accuracy and power.”
Which routes were you throwing to last season?
“Screens, slants, hitches, digs, comebacks, posts, fades, corners, vertical routes, drags – pretty much everything.”
Last season, which was your best overall game on offense?
“There were probably two games that were my best – our second game of the season against Azle. We lost by two points on a conversion at the end (35-33), but I did a lot in that game. The other game was our Round 3 playoff game against Wichita Falls High School (won 56-20). That was insanely fun. That game was a crosstown match-up, everyone was at the stadium.”
You played defense for the Raiders in 2019, and not in a passive role. You were jacking dudes up, and I think you had a 99-yard pick-returned in the stat column. What positions were you playing on that side of the ball?
(Laughs) “I played safety last season and I played linebacker for a quarter of one game. I played safety the whole time. The pick-returned was off a blocked field goal; I took it back on special teams.”
How has your time on defense helped you as a quarterback?
“I did not think it would help much, but it helped a lot. It has helped me recognizing coverages and knowing how they want to move against our offense. I took it seriously in practice – seeing the disguises and learning; that is how it translates and helps mentally.”
Which areas of your game are you working on this offseason?
“Throwing the ball, being more accurate, and improving physically – and my speed and quickness. I’m trying to use the track season to help improve my speed and plan to continue it throughout the summer.”
Are you competing at any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I am going to an Elite 11 Regional in Dallas.”
After the season you turned in, how many offers do you have?
“Eight.”
Rodriguez’s Offer Sheet (8): Air Force, Houston, Kansas State, North Texas, Southern Miss, Texas Tech, Tulsa, and Virginia
Which schools are showing interest?
“Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and Army.”
Have you taken any recent recruiting visits?
“I took a Junior Day visit to Texas Tech.”
How did the visit to Lubbock go?
“It was good. I really liked it. I was there the same day they played Kentucky in basketball. That game was crazy. It was fun.”
Are you taking any other visits coming up?
“I am taking an unofficial to Virginia over spring break.”
You mentioned running track this spring, what other sports do you play for Rider?
“Basketball and baseball.”
Which events in track are you competing in this year?
“Long jump, triple jump and some of the relays.”
How is the basketball season going?
“It is really good. We broke the school record for wins this season. We are still going. We have a regional tournament this weekend and our state tournament next weekend.”
What is your role on the team?
“Sixth man. I lock up their best player. I keep their guy from scoring half of their usual points per game.”
Jacob, it was a blast going over everything with you today. Thank you for your time and good luck with the rest of your basketball season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Rider HS/Rodriguez family; Jacob Rodriguez