A former Rider Raider is getting love from one of the biggest names in the NFL.

It was a big weekend for Wichita Falls over in Lubbock. College Gameday was in town and John Machtolff of Wichita Falls nailed a field goal for half a million dollars. If you missed that, check it out here. John said he was from Wichita Falls, 'The Hometown of Jacob Rodriquez.

Wichita Falls Own Jacob Rodriquez is a Defensive Standout in the NCAA

Jacob attended Rider high school right here in Wichita Falls from 2017-2021. Many knew Jacob as the quarterback of the team and he also played on defense at free safety. He would actually start his college career at Virginia at quarterback, but would come back home to Texas after one year there. Since then, Jacob has been playing linebacker and in his senior season is making quite the name for himself in college football.

Patrick Mahomes Wants Jacob to Win the Heisman

Patrick Mahomes also went to Texas Tech, so he's obviously going to give props to the players that are exceeding there right now. He tweeted out to get Jacob to New York over the weekend for the Heisman trophy. Technically only two defensive players have ever won the Heisman. Charles Woodson and Travis Hunter, however both of them also had standout offensive seasons as well. Here is what I think Jacob has the best shot to win.

Jacob Rodriquez Chuck Bednarik Award Odds

Pictured above is Ndamukong Suh holding the Chuck Bednarik award. Given to the best defensive player in college football. It's doubtful Jacob wins the Heisman, but he has a VERY good shot to win this award if he keeps this play up the rest of the season. Here are his current odds according to Bookies.com.

• Reuben Bain Jr.- Miami (FL) - 13.3% to win
• David Bailey - Texas Tech - 11.1% to win
• Clev Lubin - Louisville - 10.0% to win
• Caleb Downs - Ohio State - 10.0% to win
• Jacob Rodriquez - Texas Tech - 8.3% to win

As you can see, Jacob is top five defensive player in all of college football. We will wait and see how the rest of his season goes. As you can see Jacob's teammate David Bailey is also in the running and having both of them on that Tech defense is helping them win a lot of games.