Chris Rodriguez Jr. 2023 Dynasty Rookie Profile
Position: RB
School: Kentucky
Class: Redshirt Senior
Date of Birth: September 26, 2000
Height: 6-0 Weight: 217 lbs
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Bio
Hailing from McDonough, Georgia, Chris Rodriguez Jr. attended Ola High School. Rodriguez played on both sides of the ball at running back and strong safety, while also playing basketball and running track. Rodriguez was a consensus three-star recruit across recruiting sites as a top-70 running back in his class. He was one of the lower recruits for a Kentucky class that ranked 37th nationally, the 11th best in the SEC.
Despite a low rank on recruiting sites, Rodriguez became a viable piece in the Mark Stoops offense as a redshirt sophomore. He led the Wildcats in rush attempts, yards, and rushing touchdowns. His 11 rushing touchdowns ranked tied for 4th in the SEC. Rodriguez followed up a strong sophomore campaign with an even better junior season. This was his first year as a workhorse back, and Rodriguez did not disappoint. For the third straight year, Rodriguez topped six yards per touch. He did all this while finishing in the top-25 nationally in carries and top-15 in rushing yards.
Rodriguez’s senior year was a slight setback compared to his previous production. It started from missing time due to eligibility issues; this resulted in Rodriguez making his season debut in October. Rodriguez managed to rush for over 100 yards or score in seven of his eight games in his senior year. Rodriguez opted out of the team’s bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft. He ended his career third on the career Kentucky rushing list and third in yards per carry for a career. His 36 total touchdowns ranks second to Benny Snell in Kentucky history.
College Stats
Chris Rodriguez Jr. College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference
Positives
+ Measured well at the combine
+ 3-years as productive starter
+ Good vision
+ Difficult to bring down
+ 36 career touchdowns
+ Good footwork, especially for a bigger back
Negatives
– Not an early declare; will be a 23-year old rookie
– Two-down player; 20 receptions in 39 games
– Can be impatient at times
– Not the best at creating separation
Highlight Reel
Archetype: Rotational Back
Best Comparable Player: Tyler Allgeier
Draft Projection: 6th/7th round
Bottom Line:
Chris Rodriguez finished his career at Kentucky as one of the most decorated backs in the school’s history. While some players have their measurables inflated on the team’s site, Rodriguez’s were true as he hit his height and weight marks at the NFL Combine. Both are good for his position. Rodriguez is a difficult runner to bring down and displays good footwork for a back of his size.
Rodriguez will be older among his peers in this class; he did not declare early and will turn 23 as a rookie. Despite being a productive rusher, Rodriguez was not used in the passing game. This will limit his time on the field at the next level.
Rodriguez will likely be used as a rotational back in the NFL, but could see limited reps on third-down. I would expect him to be a Saturday selection of the NFL Draft.
Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, PFN, PFF, TDN
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