Former Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez will have a pivotal role for the Miami Dolphin in his rookie season, as it was announced he will wear the green dot for the team on defense.
LUBBOCK - The NFL season has finally arrived and one former Red Raider is shaping up to play a major role in his rookie campaign.
Texas Tech ex-linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was announced to be the green dot holder for the Miami Dolphins for their upcoming campaign.
The green dot is reserved for the one member of a team's defensive unit that has helmet communication with the defensive coordinator on the sideline up to 15 seconds before the play begins.
It is then their job to relay the play to their teammates and ensure that all 11 members of the defense are prepared to carry out the wishes of their coach.
This is undoubtedly a huge responsibility and accomplishment for any player chosen to serve in that role, let alone one in their first year in the professional ranks.
In fact, Rodriguez stands alone as the lone rookie granted such the exclusive honor, which highlights just how confident Miami is in the second-round pick from Lubbock.
Despite the lack of experience in the NFL, Rodriguez is no stranger to being a leader on the field.
In his final season with Texas Tech, he was one of the main forces, if not the most important, on a Texas Tech defense that wrecked opposing offenses week after week.
The impressive performance from Rodriguez netted him seemingly every major defensive award, including the Lombardi, Nagurski, Butkus and Bednarik, all of which had never been claimed by a member of Texas Tech.
It also landed him squarely in the Heisman Trophy conversation, finishing as the highest voted linebacker since 2012.
Outside of the on-the-field success, Rodriguez became the de-facto face of the Red Raiders in their breakout season under Joey McGuire and captivated the nation with his incredible journey.
With his decorated college career at an end, Rodriguez aims to replicate those successes in Miami.
And the honor of being the bearer of the green dot for the Dolphins is the first step in making those personal hopes a reality.
For Miami, it is hoping that it can take advantage of Rodriguez's noted talents and usher in a resurgence for the three-time Super Bowl champions.
He will begin this new chapter alongside fellow Red Raider linebacker Jordyn Brooks and both are expected to shoulder much of the load for the defense.
Beginning the offseason hopeful to make the starting roster, Rodriguez now finds himself in a crucial position that could help to define his NFL legacy nearly as soon as its gets underway.
