Could Jacob Rodriguez Bring the Heisman to Texas Tech?

It's something we've never seen in the Texas Panhandle before—one of the most hallowed awards and trophies on the planet, especially to sports fans. There have been a couple of opportunities for it to come to the panhandle, but it's always fallen a bit short.

Patrick Mahomes was definitely the best chance we've seen for the Heisman Trophy to show up in the Texas Panhandle, but even he fell short of winning the award. It's made many wonder, what will it take for a Texas Tech player to win the award?

Why Didn't Mahomes Win A Heisman

When you look at what Mahomes did statistically at Texas Tech, it's hard to believe he never hoisted the trophy. In his senior season, Mahomes led the nation in total offense with 5,312 yards, and also led the country in passing yards with 5,052.

However, he didn't receive a SINGLE vote for the Heisman that season. So how does that happen? Well, many have attributed it to the fact that Tech was never a national championship contender, and that ultimately hurt his case.

Meet Jacob Rodriguez

This season is entirely different, however. Texas Tech is inside the top 10 of the rankings, and barring any shocking losses the rest of the way, they'll be in the College Football Playoff with a chance at a national title. A huge part of that is because the Red Raiders have Jacob Rodriguez. The QB turned linebacker is having one of the best defensive seasons in college football this season, if not THE best.

After a breakout season last year where he recorded 127 tackles and five sacks, he's elevated his game even further. Through 10 games, he has 88 tackles, a sack, and three interceptions. A solid season for anyone, but there is one thing that is placing him above the rest. That would be the SEVEN forced fumbles he has had on the season.

Is There A Chance Rodriguez Wins The Heisman

It's something Rodriguez's teammates and coaches talk to him about, and they all feel he has a legitimate chance at it. He even struck the famed Heisman pose after an interception in the game against BYU at the urging of his teammates.

The only thing is that history is NOT on his side. Typically, the Heisman goes to an offensive player, and normally it's a QB. In fact, only ONE primary defensive player has ever won the Heisman Trophy, and that was Charles Woodson back in 1997. He was also a punt returner for Michigan and was dynamic in that role, which most likely helped his cause.

Last season's winner, Travis Hunter, was a dynamo that played as a starter on both offense AND defense, therefore boosting his cause. At minimum, Rodriguez will be in the conversation, and here's to hoping he can buck history and bring the Heisman to the Texas Panhandle.