From Prep to Pro!, EST 2001


NFL Draft Scout - Powered By: The SportsXchange
2022 CFB/2024-2027 Draft Scout
- Draft Scout Front Page- 2024 NFL Draft Tracker/Results- 2024 Pro Timing Days/Results- 2024 Pro Timing Day Risers by Position- 2024 Pro Timing Day Fallers by Position- 2024 NFL Combine- End of Season Risers- End of Season Fallers- 2024 NFL Draft Underclassmen- 2024 Senior Bowl- 2024 East-West Shrine- 2024 Hula Bowl- 2023 CFB Bowl Games/Playoffs- CFB Player News & Notes12/03 Final CFB Playoff Top 12
- #1 Michigan
- #2 Washington- #3 Texas- #4 Alabama- #5 Florida State- #6 Georgia- #7 Ohio State- #8 Oregon- #9 Missouri- #10 Penn State- #11 Mississippi- #12 Oklahoma- CFB's Best Player Names By Year/Position- Draft Scout Player Directory A-Z- Players by School/College List A-Z- Draft Scout Rokfin Football Channel- Draft Scout Weekly- Phil Steele/Draft Scout- Contact Draft Scout

DS Rankings/Probe
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
Players by School

DS PARTNERS
NFL Draft Scout
Featured In/On:


Coach Tom Shaw's Training Program is the leader in performance enhancement!
Visit Pro Combine Training Today!
Visit Test Sports Clubs Today





  
Name: Chris Rodriguez Jr. 
College: Kentucky     Number: 24
Height: 6-0   Weight: 217
Position: RB  Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: rSr/2023

40 Low: 4.46
   40 Time: 4.52
  40 High: 4.58

> Projected Round: 7  Stock:    

Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 5115
Weight: 217

Zybek PD3X AKA "Official"
40 Yard Dash (ET):
 
40 Yard Dash (HH): 
20 Yard (ET): 
20 Yard (HH): 
10 Yard (ET): 
10 Yard (HH): 
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 19
Vertical Jump: 
Broad Jump: 
20 Yrd Shuttle: 
3-Cone Drill: 
No 40s-Full Workout-Choice

Dates: 03/24/23
Hand: 08 5/8  Arm: 30 5/8
Wingspan: 73 5/8

Height: 5115
Weight: 217
40 Yrd Dash: 4.52
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.58
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 
Vertical Jump: 33
Broad Jump: 09'06"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.31
3-Cone Drill: 

40 Time Range: 4.51-4.53/Projected 4.54/No 3Cone-Knee
 

 



 Data Scout Notes: 2022: NAC...Coming off Aug 2022 Suspension/P1stC...PWCampPOY/PMaxwell...2021: 2ndC...PDoakWalker...2020: NAC



 Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky, Player News


  Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. says on social media that he will skip the Music City Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft. The senior's announcement Thursday on his Instagram account comes a day after Wildcats quarterback Will Levis announced he would miss the Dec. 31 contest against Iowa to get ready for next spring's draft. Rodriguez leaves as Kentucky's No. 3 career rusher with 3,644 yards and 32 touchdowns, including 904 with six scores this fall despite missing the first four games of the season.

He pleaded guilty in July to driving under the influence. He ranked sixth in SEC rushing this fall. Rodriguez thanked Kentucky fans in the post and said while he won't play in the game, "I'll be in the Music City to support my brothers and hope to see you there." The native of McDonough, Georgia, was an Associated Press All-SEC first team selection as a junior after erupting for 1,379 yards rushing to help Kentucky win 10 games for the second time in four years. He surpassed 100 yards rushing five times this fall and broke Benny Snell Jr's school record with 20. - AP College Football


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 196 yards and two second-half scores, Will Levis returned from a one-game absence to throw a go-ahead touchdown pass and No. 22 Kentucky topped No. 16 Mississippi State 27-17 on Saturday night to halt a two-game slide. Rodriguez achieved season highs in yardage and carries (30) in his third game back from a suspension. He rushed for touchdowns of 16 and 7 yards. The Wildcats (5-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) sorely needed his second score for insurance, coming right after Emmanuel Forbes returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown to get the Bulldogs (5-2, 2-2) within 20-17. Levis started after missing last week's 24-14 loss to South Carolina with a left foot injury and began promisingly, even though Kentucky had only a field goal to show for it in a 3-3 first half marred by 16 combined penalties for 124 yards.

His 33-yard completion to Barion Brown led to a go-ahead field goal in the third quarter, but he landed hard on his shoulder after being hit while throwing and went to the locker room for examination. Levis was back for the next possession and eventually threaded a 3-yard touchdown pass to Rahsaan Lewis on fourth down to put Kentucky up 13-10 with 4:10 remaining in the third. Rodriguez bulled ahead to make it 20-10 with 11:43 left, and Kentucky had a chance to extend its lead before Levis threw the interception that got the Bulldogs close. Forbes had it read right away and jumped the route for an easy pickoff. It was his second pick-six in three games and the fifth of his career, tying an SEC record. Levis quickly regrouped to hit Dekel Crowdus with a 50-yard strike, and Rodriguez dragged several defenders with him for the 7-yard TD run that was upheld on review. Levis finished 17 of 23 passing for 230 yards to outdo record-breaking MSU counterpart Will Rogers, who was 25 of 37 for 203 and a 1-yard TD to Austin Williams. - Kentucky/AP College Football


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky/AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  ESPN TOP 100 PRESEASON 2022 CFB PLAYERS (Selected Aug. 17): No. 41. Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky, Senior. Notable 2021 stats:1,379 yards, 9 TDs. Last year's ranking: NR. The only question with Rodriguez is his status and whether or not he will miss any games after pleading guilty in July to a DUI charge. He has been one of the SEC's most productive running backs each of the past two seasons and needs 1,134 yards to break Benny Snell's school record of 3,873 career rushing yards. The 5-11, 224-pound Rodriguez has 26 career rushing touchdowns. - ESPN.com

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: ESPN.com
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. will not play in Saturday night's season opener against Miami of Ohio, and coach Mark Stoops expects multiple-game suspensions for the No. 20 Wildcats' rushing leader and other players. Rodriguez pleaded guilty this summer to driving under the influence and other charges following his arrest in May. Neither the senior nor linebacker Jordan Wright was listed on the depth chart released Monday, but Stoops said they were "unavailable" rather than suspended. He did not offer further details during a news conference. "These players have some rights as well and I have to be very conscientious of that," he said. "I expect a few of them will have multiple-game suspensions, but I don't know. I'll address it next week." Discipline was expected for the first team All-Southeastern Conference selection, but Stoops has sidestepped questions about his status throughout fall camp. Rodriguez is coming off a season in which he rushed for a career-high 1,379 yards and nine touchdowns to help Kentucky finish 10-3 last season and win the Citrus Bowl. Wright had 30 tackles, six pass breakups and four tackles for loss in nine games last fall. - AP College Football

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  2022 COACHES PRESEASON ALL-SEC FIRST TEAM: RB - Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky,...Rodriguez, a 5-11, 224-pound product of McDonough, Georgia, is the SEC's leading returning rusher. In 2021, he averaged 106.1 yards per game, ranking 12th nationally and second in the SEC. His 1,379 rushing yards ranks fifth on UK's single-season list and he became the 10th player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. It's the 14th total time a Wildcat has accomplished that feat. He had nine 100-yard rushing games last season, a school record. He also had 13 receptions for 61 yards and three touchdowns. For his career, Rodriguez has 2,740 rushing yards (sixth on UK's career list), 26 rushing TDs (tied for second on UK's career list) and 15 100-yard games (third in school history). - Kentucky Fotball

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky Fotball
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  2022 PRESEASON WALTER CAMP PLAYER OF YEAR PLAYER TO WATCH: Chris Rodriquez, RB, senior, Kentucky,...Rodriguez is the Southeastern Conference's leading returning rusher. In 2021, he averaged 106.1 yards per game, ranking 12th nationally and second in the SEC. His 1,379 rushing yards ranks fifth on UK's single-season list and he became the 10th player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and the 14th total time a Wildcat has accomplished that feat. - Kentucky Football

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Kentucky football star senior running back Chris Rodriguez is working out with the team following a May arrest on DUI charges. His coach is not ready to share any other updates about Rodriguez's status for the 2022 season, though. "Chris is there in Lexington, working hard with the team, training, getting ready," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said Wednesday during his appearance at SEC Media Days. "I really don't have any other comment at this point about that." Rodriguez was one of 14 players featured on a 2022 season promotional poster released by UK this week.

Earlier this month, Rodriguez pled guilty to operating a motor vehicle under the influence. The plea requires Rodriguez to pay a $200 fine plus $568 in court costs by Dec. 13. His driver's license will be suspended for four to six months in Kentucky. According to an arrest report, Rodriguez was stopped by a University of Kentucky police officer after his vehicle was spotted traveling south on Nicholasville Road near UK's campus without its taillights illuminated around 3:14 a.m. on May 8. The officer reported the vehicle failed to stay in its designated lane. The officer initiated the stop prior to Alumni Drive near the UK football stadium, but Rodriguez did not stop the car until pulling into a gas station on Southland Drive almost a mile later. - Courier Journal


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  2022 PRESEASON MAXWELL AWARD WATCH LIST: Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky,... Arrested for charges of driving under the influence and careless driving on May 8, the future of Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez remained unclear, especially due to reports of problems other than the DUI. Until this is cleared up, the Maxwell Award is only one "watch list" for Rodriguez. Last season he was named first-team All SEC by the AP for a performance which included nine 100-yard rushing games, including five straight to end the season. Rodriguez, who comes into this season as the reigning rushing leader in the SEC, figured to play a vital role for Kentucky's offense this fall. Watch for updates - Kentucky Football

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Star Kentucky football running back Chris Rodriguez has accepted a guilty plea resulting from a May arrest. Rodriguez was arrested May 8 just after 3 a.m. and charged with driving under the influence and careless driving. During a pretrial hearing Tuesday, Rodriguez pled guilty to operating a motor vehicle under the influence, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. The plea requires Rodriguez to pay a $200 fine plus more than $700 in court costs by Dec. 13. His driver's license will be suspended for four to six months in Kentucky. The McDonough, Georgia, native, is one of the most important players on Kentucky's roster.

He ranked second in the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards (1,379) last season. He also scored 12 touchdowns. Rodriguez ranks sixth on Kentucky's career rushing yards list (2,740) and could break Benny Snell's program record for career rushing yards with a strong senior season. After Rodriguez's May arrest, a UK spokeswoman said the athletic department would "continue to monitor the situation as it develops." A UK spokesman reached Tuesday said the school had no additional comment on Rodriguez's status at this time. - Courier Journal


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  After he was arrested for careless driving and operating a vehicle while under the influence, Kentucky junior running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has seen a significant decrease in his On3 NIL Valuation. Rodriguez now has an On3 NIL Valuation of $227,000, which is a decrease of $76,000 from previous weeks. Rodriguez, who is projected to be a major piece in the Wildcats' offense, saw a rise in his NIL value throughout the spring. His NIL value climbed from $99,000 to $303,000 buoyed by the news of his return and expected impact in the SEC. Yet, the On3 NIL Valuation algorithm considered Rodriguez's arrest and 8.5% drop in social media followers and engagement in the new valuation released on Tuesday.

The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete's value at a certain moment in time. And at this moment, it's clear Rodriguez's value on the NIL market is dropping because of the off-the-field issue. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete's value at a certain moment in time. And at this moment, it's clear Rodriguez's value on the NIL market is dropping because of the off-the-field issue. - On3.com


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: On3.com
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez' warrant is set aside following mistake by his lawyer. Rodriguez was arrested on May 8 for careless driving, having no tail lamps and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, according to the Kentucky arrest report. He was stopped by police in Fayette County, Ky. Originally, it was reported Rodriguez failed to appear at his arraignment. That led to a warrant for his arrest and also a $200 fine. However, there was a scheduling mishap on the attorney's part. The attorney told Rodriguez not to attend, according to Kentucky Sports Radio's Matt Jones. The new court date will take place this coming Friday in Lexington. "We have confirmed with Chris' attorney's that this was a scheduling mistake in their office," Kentucky Sports Information Director Susan Lax said. "Chris was specifically advised by his attorneys not to attend because they would take care of it. They are diligently working to get it corrected."

According to Lax, "take care of" refers to having his attorneys attend on Rodriguez's behalf. Rodriguez returns to Kentucky for his fifth season in the program after a career-best 1,378 yards on the ground in 2021. In 32 career games, he has 417 carries for 2,739 yards and 27 touchdowns. He added 15 receptions for 75 yards and three touchdowns. The former three-star recruit came to the Wildcats in the 2018 class as an unheralded prospect. He ranked No. 1082 in the country according to the On3 Consensus, also ranking No. 83 among running backs and No. 110 in his home state of Georgia. - On3.com


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: On3.com
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  A warrant was issued for University of Kentucky football player Chris Rodriguez after he failed to appear in court Friday afternoon. Judge Denotra Gunter issued a warrant for Rodriguez's arrest and imposed a $200 fine, according to a report by LEX-18, the official television partner of UK. Rodriguez, the team's returning starter at running back, faces three charges - operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and no tail lamps - stemming from an arrest early Sunday morning. His arraignment was scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday.

According to a citation, Rodriguez's speech was slurred and there was "an odor of alcoholic beverages coming from within the vehicle" after he was pulled over at a gas station off Nicholasville Road. Rodriguez agreed to a horizontal gaze test but refused to perform other field tests while outside of the vehicle, according to the citation. He displayed "the involuntary jerking of the eyes indicating alcohol consumption" during the gaze test, according to the citation. The officer wrote that Rodriguez, 21, admitted to having consumed "one or two shots of alcohol" at Belle's Cocktail House, a bar located downtown near the intersection of Church and Market streets. He was transported to the Fayette County Detention Center, where he refused an evidential breath test. - Herald Leader


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  A Kentucky football player has been charged with drunken driving, university police said. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., 24, was arrested Sunday and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving without tail lamps, news outlets reported, citing a police citation. A University of Kentucky Police officer pulled over a black Dodge Durango that was "not maintaining its designated operating lane" and did not have its taillights activated, the arrest citation filed with Fayette District Court said.

Rodriguez had slurred speech and there was "an odor of alcoholic beverages coming from within the vehicle," the officer wrote. He was taken to the Fayette County jail. The senior was the team's leading rusher and finished with 1,238 yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 11 games last year. - AP College Football


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  After falling behind in the fourth quarter, No. 22 Kentucky scored with less than two minutes to play then held on to beat No. 15 Iowa 20-17 on Saturday in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl. Kentucky went into its high-paced offense with just 3:31 to play in the game. The Cats drove down the field behind the Will Levis-to-Wan'Dale Robinson connection. Perhaps the biggest play came when those two connected on a 52-yard pass play down the left sideline that got UK to the one yard line. After a penalty, UK handed the ball to Chris Rodriguez Jr., who took it in from six yards out for the touchdown. Matt Ruffolo added the PAT and UK led 20-17 with 1:48 to play.

Iowa would go into its two-minute offense on the ensuing possession and the Hawkeyes were able to get near midfield pretty quickly. But on second and five from the UK 40, Yusuf Corker hit Petras, whose throw went high and was intercepted by DeAndre Square, sealing the victory with just 48 seconds to play. Levis connected on 17 of 28 through the air for 233 yards and a touchdown, with one interception. His primary target was Robinson, who caught 10 passes for 170 yards, including that crucial 52-yard reception in the fourth quarter that set up the go-ahead score. Rodriguez Jr. rushed 20 times for 107 yards and a score. C-Rod also caught a touchdown pass in the game. - Kentucky/AP College Football


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky/AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  2021 ALL-SEC SECOND TEAM (COACHES): RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky,...Rodriguez Jr., a 5-11, 224-pound running back out of McDonough, Georgia, ranks 12th nationally and second in the SEC in rushing this season, averaging 106.0 yards per game. In 12 games this season, he has 1,272 rushing yards, which ranks seventh on UK's single-season list. Overall, he has 2,633 career rushing yards for seventh on the school's all-time rushing list. He has 14 100-yard games in his career (third all-time) and a school-record tying eight this season, including each of the last four contests. - Kentucky Football

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for 114 yards and a touchdown, Will Levis threw for two scores and Kentucky used a fast start to beat Vanderbilt 34-17 in a Southeastern Conference matchup on Saturday night. The Wildcats (7-3, 5-3) ended a three-game losing streak and have won the last six games against Vanderbilt (2-8, 0-6). The Commodores have lost five in a row and 19 consecutive SEC games. Kentucky scored on its first four possessions. "We played more complimentary football in the first half than we have in some time," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. "We did what we had to do to win. You know this was big for us coming on the road and getting another SEC East win." Levis hit Wan'Dale Robinson in the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown and Izayah Cummings for a 22-yard score. Jalen Geiger returned an interception 31 yards into the end zone. Rodriguez, who has rushed for over 100 yard five times this season, added a 5-yard touchdown run that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 28-3 with 10:43 remaining in the second quarter.

Mike Wright took over for Vanderbilt starting quarterback Ken Seals to start the second half and threw an 8-yard touchdown pass Chris Pierce Jr. with 5:53 left in the third quarter. Wright later capped a 75-yard drive with an 8-yard TD pass to Amir Abdur-Rahman with 7:33 remaining. "Ken was hurt in the first half," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. "We will have to see the extend of his injury. We were pleased with what Mike did in the second half. He knew during the first defensive series he was coming in. He was ready. I think he made good decisions. We have a lot to build on." The Wildcats offense was shut down for most of the second half. Matt Ruffolo's 32-yard field goal with 13:26 left in the game broke the drought. - Kentucky/AP College Football


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky/AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Matt Ruffolo made three field goals to help Kentucky beat South Carolina 16-10 on Saturday night. Despite its three turnovers, Kentucky (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) beat South Carolina (2-2, 1-1) for the seventh time in eight years, and set up a collision course toward next week's matchup at home against No. 11 Florida. "We just have to worry about ourselves. We got to prove to each other and the team that we can go out there and compete with anybody who steps on the field," said Kentucky linebacker DeAndre Square, who led the Wildcats with eight tackles. "It's not about anybody else, it's about us." Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for 144 yards on 26 carries for the Wildcats.

Will Levis was 15-of-22 passing for 102 yards and threw an interception. Kavosiey Smoke scored on 15-yard touchdown run on the first series of the game, capping a 12-play, 75-yard drive for Kentucky. Ruffolo's 41-yard field goal to end the second quarter gave the Wildcats a 10-0 lead. Luke Doty threw a threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Brooks early in the third quarter for South Carolina. Ruffalo made field goals from 21 and 27 yards before Parker White's 54-yard field goal capped the scoring with 2:31 remaining. Doty was 17-of-25 passing for 158 yards. Kevin Harris was held to just 38 yards rushing on 12 carries. - Kentucky/AP College Football


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky/AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  SEPT 13 SEC CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky,...Had 27 rushes for 206 yards - both career highs - and also had two rushing touchdowns...Caught a five-yard touchdown pass, finishing the game with three total TDs...Became the eighth player in school history to rush for at least 200 yards in a game and it is the most ever for a Wildcat in an SEC opener...Two weeks into the season, he leads the SEC in rushing with 165.5 yards per game...Helped lead Kentucky to a 35-28 win over Missouri. - SEC Football

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: SEC Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Kentucky's Chris Rodriguez Jr. was the fifth FBS player to rush for at least 200 yards in a game, setting career highs with 27 carries for 206 yards against Missouri. He tied his career best with three touchdown runs and also caught a 5-yard touchdown pass for his first collegiate receiving TD. Rodriguez, the first Kentucky player since Benny Snell in 2018 to rush for 100 yards in each of the first two games, has 331 for the season. His 166 yards per game is second nationally behind Brandon Thomas' 169 for Memphis. - AP College Football

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for a career-high 206 yards and three of his four touchdowns, including the go-ahead score from 8 yards with 11:28 remaining, and Kentucky stopped Missouri late for a hard-fought 35-28 victory Saturday night in the Southeastern Conference opener. The Wildcats (2-0, 1-0) never trailed this thrilling showdown for the early East Division lead but had to overcome squandering a 28-14 lead as Missouri (1-1, 1-1) eventually tied the game early in the fourth quarter. Kentucky answered by taking the kickoff and quickly marching 75 yards, helped by Rodriguez's 28-yard run and Will Levis' 28-yard pass to tight end Justin Rigg to the Tigers' 8.

Rodriguez barged in from the 8 for the TD, a play in which he appeared to fumble as he crossed the goal line but was upheld on review. Missouri had a final chance to tie after blocking Kentucky's field goal attempt, but turned it over on downs as Connor Bazelak's pass intended for Dominic Lovett was broken up by Kentucky's Carrington Valentine with 1:30 left. Rodriguez, who surpassed his previous best of 149 yards against Vanderbilt last November, carried 27 times with additional TDs of 2 and 3 yards in matching his career high. The junior also had a 5-yard TD catch, his first, on Kentucky's opening drive. Levis completed 10 of 18 passes for 179 yards, a TD and an interception off a tipped pass. Most importantly, Kentucky controlled the line of scrimmage, an effort that totaled 340 yards rushing with Rodriguez leading the way. "Just me communicating with the (offensive) line," Rodriguez said. "After every series we would come off and talk about what's going on and where to hit (the line) at. I just trust those dudes." - Kentucky/AP College Football


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky/AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  All-SEC contender Chris Rodriguez had one more task to checkoff before Kentucky football opens preseason practice Friday. Get a COVID-19 vaccine. "Getting the vaccine feels like I'm signing my life away, but aye #ForTheTeam," Rodriguez tweeted Tuesday afternoon. The Wildcats star running back quickly followed that tweet with a second making sure fans understood his decision. "I was not forced to get it," Rodriguez wrote. "I got it because I wanted to. I missed two of the biggest games last year. I say #ForTheTeam because if I miss a game, I'm letting them down."

How many of Rodriguez's teammates decide to follow his lead could turn out to be a key factor in Kentucky's chances of a special season. At SEC Media Days last month, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey revealed 6 of 14 football teams had reached the 80% threshold of vaccinated players. Kentucky coach Mark Stoops later confirmed his team was not one of the squads to hit that number. With the Delta variant causing COVID-19 cases to spike again, especially in the SEC's regional footprint where vaccination percentages remain low, player availability during the pandemic will likely be a storyline to watch for the second consecutive season even as college football stadiums return to full capacity. - Courier Journal


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  A healthy helping of Chris Rodriguez will be served to opposing defenses this fall. Kavosiey Smoke will continue to be a major reserve, and Jutahn McClain and Travis Tisdale continue to make strides, but Coen during the spring said he wants Rodriguez to get 20 to 25 touches a game (not all, necessarily, as a rusher). The only thing that could keep that from happening is an injury or Coen himself, because Rodriguez has proved to be as reliable as they come up to this point. - Herald Leader

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here



  Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for three touchdowns, Terry Wilson and A.J. Rose each rushed for one, and Kentucky rolled South Carolina 41-18 Saturday night in the regular season finale for both schools. Looking to halt a two-game slide and remain in consideration for the postseason, the Wildcats (4-6, 4-6 Southeastern Conference) scored on five of their first seven possessions to lead 27-3 at halftime. Their highest first-half output this season was aided by 10 points off two of their three takeaways, including two fumble recoveries by Jordan Wright.

Rodriguez returned from a two-game absence to rush for first-half TDs of 1 and 2 yards around Rose's 8-yard score before sealing the rout with a 79-yard burst down the left side with 4:56 remaining. Wilson added a 1-yard TD run early in the third quarter as the Wildcats outgained the Gamecocks (2-8, 2-8) 492-404. Wilson, the senior quarterback, finished 17 of 26 passing for 201 yards and rushed for 46 to break 1,000 career. Rodriguez had 139 yards on 14 carries and Rose 101 on 14 carries as Kentucky dealt South Carolina its sixth consecutive loss. - Kentucky/AP College Football


(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky/AP College Football
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here





,