Star Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez strikes Heisman pose after scoring the first offensive TD of his career

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Texas Tech is making sure that college football fans — and Heisman voters — know all about Jacob Rodriguez.

The star Red Raiders linebacker scored the first offensive touchdown of his career in the first quarter of Tech’s game against UCF. A former high school QB, Rodriguez took a direct snap and got into the end zone nearly untouched before striking a Heisman pose in celebration.

Rodriguez has been one of the best defenders in the country as Texas Tech has ascended to No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings. He entered Week 12 with 91 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

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A week ago, he had 14 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception in Tech’s 29-7 win over BYU. His performance even led former Red Raiders QB Patrick Mahomes — who was in attendance as the Chiefs were off a week ago — to tweet that Rodriguez should be a Heisman finalist.

Not long after scoring the TD, Rodriguez had an interception to set up Tech's fifth TD of the first half. After the pick, Mahomes re-emphasized his call for Rodriguez's Heisman candidacy. 

Rodriguez’s chances of winning the Heisman are incredibly slim. The award is likely to go to Ohio State’s Julian Sayin or Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. But he’ll probably get votes from across the country and could easily finish in the top 10. Especially if Texas Tech wins the Big 12.

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