"That's unbelievable," Jacob Rodriguez said. "Even second- and third-place votes as a defensive player - defensive-only player - I think is very unheard of. I'm just so appreciative to even be in that conversation."
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting - one spot out of making the finalists trip to New York City, and much to the dismay of Red Raider Nation in Lubbock.
For Rodriguez, however, the feeling wasn't disappointment. Throughout all of Rodriguez's recognition following an All-American season (and there's been a lot), he's remained gracious.
"It was unfortunate I wasn't able to go to New York," he acknowledged this week, "and I really would've liked to, but just to see the voters come out after the fact for fifth and on.
"I think what a great honor it was when all the official votes came out after Saturday, I had 17 first-place votes for the Heisman."
Like Rodriguez himself, many voters and fans alike were awed by his turnover-filled season, where he contributed to more Texas Tech takeaways than some entire teams this season. "J-Rod" would have never thought he would ultimately receive this type of notoriety after the fact.
"That's unbelievable," he said about the award's finish. "Even second- and third-place votes as a defensive player - defensive-only player - I think is very unheard of. I'm just so appreciative to even be in that conversation."
The award eventually landed to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will lead his Hoosiers into the CFP as the No. 1 seed on the same side of the bracket at Rodriguez and the No. 4 Red Raiders.
"Everybody who even thought to vote for me or even put me in consideration, I think that's unbelievable of just how great a people they are and how much I respect I hold for them," Rodriguez said. "So, I think that was a huge one for me. That kind of hit home. People really care about me and see the work that's been done this year.
Other finalists included Vanderbilt Diego Pavia, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin. Pavia, who actually finished second overall in voting, made headlines after posting then deleting a explicit "f--- the voters" message on social media that drew major backlash. Love was undoubtedly a star in the backfield, but his Fighting Irish did not make the CFP, and Sayin was just in his first year as a full-time starter.
No doubt, Rodriguez earned as much respect as any primarily-defensive player has since Notre Dame's Manti Te'o, but the finish begs the question of whether some voters regretted not having Rodriguez hiring on their ballot, as was the case for ESPN voice Chris Fowler after disapproving of Pavia's comments.
You won't be hearing any such things from Rodriguez, who was actually busier than many of the Heisman finalists due to travel to various other award shows. Ones that he left with a clean sweep.
Rodriguez won the Bednarik, the Lombardi, the Nagurski, the Butkus and the Pony Express (along with All-American edge rusher David Bailey), solidifying him as the consensus best defensive player in the country.
Head coach Joey McGuire made sure to save an open space in the Red Raiders' trophy room for a Big 12 Championship, which has now been filled.
Rodriguez will have a similar challenge displaying his hardware.
"Our house in Kansas was still getting worked on," Rodriguez said about his family's home. "So, we'll try to find places for that. Right now, they're here at my apartment in Lubbock, and so we'll try to find time to bring them up there and maybe build a shelf. It's going to have to be a really strong shelf."
Texas Tech is on the hunt for one more trophy in the CFP, and they'll have as good a chance as ever with Rodriguez leading the charge and a sea of Red Raiders flooding into Miami Gardens for New Year's.