MIAMI GARDENS ― Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is one of the most humble game-changing, turnover-causing defensive players to come through the Miami Dolphins in quite some time.
Rodriguez, a second-round pick from Texas Tech, has done nothing but punch the ball out and knock passes down since his arrival in South Florida.
"Not that I'm perfect at it or have it all figured out," Rodriguez said following Miami's fourth training camp practice Sunday. "I've just been fortunate to get a few."
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It's not good fortune. It's talent.
Rodriguez isn't ready to say it yet, so we'll let others say it for him.
"Magnet to the ball," running back Ollie Gordon II says.
"Relentless," cornerback Chris Johnsonsays.
"Violent," Miami
coach Jeff Hafley says.
Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, a Hall of Famer, made eye-opening plays in his first training camp, 30 years ago. The fellow Texan and Texas Tech standout is also known for his humility.
We are not saying Rodriguez is the next Zach Thomas, but the similarities are scintillating.
"He's got a really good knack for getting the ball out," Hafley said of Rodriguez. "A lot of guys throw punches and miss and hit ribs and hit the back and hit shoulder pads and they're trying to get the ball out. He's got a really good feel and he's got really good timing and very instinctual."
Rodriguez is cerebral and pleasant off the field. But on the field, he seems to flip a switch.
"I think just trying to play the game the right way," Rodriguez said. "I think football is a physical game and it's meant to be played that way. You have to be physical when you do it, whether you're attacking a ball carrier or the ball specifically. It really doesn't matter as long as you do it violently with the right technique and proper form. I feel like that's how it's got to be played."
Jacob Rodriguez one of 13 drafted rookies on Miami Dolphins roster
Like Thomas, Rodriguez is also really skilled in pass coverage.
"He's got really good width and range and in zone coverage, he's got the ability to get up and get his hands on the football," Hafley said.
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How does Rodriguez approach pass coverage?
"I think just playing with your feet in the ground," Rodriguez said. "A lot of of times if you start crossing over, pick your feet up. You should have both feet on the ground with your eyes on the quarterback and just ready to break. I think the more efficient breaks that we can get, the distance that we can cover before the ball is caught is kind of what we're looking for."
Rodriguez had four interceptions and seven forced fumbles last season at Texas Tech.
As for punching at the football? Rodriguez says there is a time and a place. For example, he would pass on a punch opportunity if a third-down tackle would set up an opponent punt.
"You gotta' take a chance to take the ball away," Rodriguez said. "And I think you see what you punch, just like a boxer. If you see the ball, you punch it. If you're just kind of throwing a blind punch, then that's when it kind of gets risky... If we can take three or more (forced turnovers) per game, that kind of stat, that would help us to win, it would be unbelievable."
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez is turnover machine
