Texas Tech saw its superstar linebacker Jacob Rodriguez taken by the Miami Dolphins. It has worked out for Red Raiders before, with one notable example.
The NFL Draft brought a new chapter for Texas Tech superstar and national phenomenon linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, as he was picked by the Miami Dolphins.
Rodriguez was the No. 43 overall selection in the entry draft's second round and looks to fortify a rebuilding Dolphins defense.
It was a monumental achievement for Rodriguez to make it to the NFL after walking-on at Texas Tech following a one-year stint at Virginia. He turned that walk-on opportunity into one of the greatest individual seasons in program history last year.
He was the first top-five Heisman Trophy vote getter since quarterback Graham Harrell and receiver Michael Crabtree back in 2008.
That was not the only accolade for Rodriguez with multiple awards he did bring home, including the Bednarik, Nagurski, Butkus and Lombardi, which are titles not often, if ever, seen in Lubbock.
While his time in Lubbock has drawn to an end, he'll stay have a chance to chase some Red Raider history during his time in Miami.
The name Zach Thomas should need no introduction for Texas Tech faithful. But for context's sake, let's provide a little background.
Thomas dazzled at linebacker for the Red Raiders in the 1990s, earning several accolades and eventually ending up in the Texas Tech Ring of Honor inside Jones AT&T Stadium.
Outside of his college days, Thomas made quite a career for himself as one of the most terrifying defensive forces of his era. That reputation and impressive career landed him a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Who did Thomas spend most of that illustrious career with? It was none other than the Miami Dolphins.
That tidbit was not lost on Texas Tech fans nor the iconic pair themselves, with Rodriguez and Thomas commenting on the shared legacy.
When speaking of the impact Thomas had on him before he was drafted by the Dolphins, Rodriguez said, "He’s just kind of reminded me of what he went through and this process that he went through and how he had to believe in himself and just kind of hold true to what he’s had and what he’s earned."
That connection was evident, as Thomas was in attendance at Texas Tech's Orange Bowl practices at Hard Rock Stadium this past season and lauded high praise on Rodriguez.
"He's another level, the best defender we've ever had at Texas Tech," remarked Thomas, according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
Those feelings haven't changed, with the Palm Beach Post reporting that Thomas doubled down on his prior comments and told them "it's not even close," following the NFL Draft.
Rodriguez took note of the longtime support from Thomas. "I take his word very seriously, and I appreciate who he is and everything he's done and the mentor and the man he's been to me and to my family. Yeah, it's unbelievable. It's super generous and super kind from him, and that just kind of shows you how great of a person he is and why he's so admired at Texas Tech and as well as in Miami," he said during his introductory press conference.
All this talk of Texas Tech linebackers on the Dolphins and there's still another yet to be discussed. Former Red Raider Jordyn Brooks is currently on Miami's roster and is another alumni to voice support for Rodriguez.
With a fellow Red Raider at his side, Jacob Rodriguez embarks on a new journey looking to continue an iconic career of his own and carry the torch of one of his mentors and a legend within the history of Texas Tech.