The Virginia football program has been hot on the recruiting trail lately, and that trend continued Monday when it landed Class of 2021 three-star quarterback Jacob Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, rated four stars by ESPN.com but three by other services, is a 6-foot-2, 210-pound dual-threat signal-caller from Rider High School in Wichita Falls, Texas. He fits the mold of what the offensive coaches and Bronco Mendenhall desire in a QB — a physical specimen who can run and pass. Mendenhall has used the term “Thorterback” frequently, a reference to the superhero Thor.
C O M M I T T E D?⚔️? #THEStandard21 #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/i4SQmhmuh8
— Jacob Rodriguez (@Jacob_R_10) April 27, 2020
The Cavaliers, fresh off their marketing campaign that unveiled new logos and fonts Friday, put that imagery to the forefront as Mendenhall helped announce the commitment of Rodriguez using a bat signal-like video on Twitter that shows the refined V-sabre logo and one of the new alternate logos.
— Bronco Mendenhall (@CoachBroncoM) April 27, 2020
Rodriguez chose to become a Cavalier over offers from Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas State, Iowa State, Indiana, Air Force, and San Diego State, among others. During his junior year, Rodriguez completed 57.8 percent of his passes for 3,003 yards, 33 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. On the ground, he accumulated 1,247 yards (8.4 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns. Rodriguez is rated the No. 13 dual-threat QB in his class by 247Sports.
Rodriguez is the second quarterback to join UVa’s 2021 class, with the other being 6-1, 200-pound dual threat Jay Woolfork, out of Benedictine in Richmond.
The coaching staff was very excited about their pickup out of the Lone Star State.
Can’t think of a better way to start the week!!! Mood all day long!! #THEStandard21 #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/XsWI0zsytP
— Robert Anae (@CoachAnae) April 27, 2020
Great day to be a Hoo‼️ #THEStandard21 #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/sFCmUTB0cK
— Jason Beck (@Coach_Beck7) April 27, 2020
Straight bouncin’ this morning #Mood #GoHoos #THEStandard21 pic.twitter.com/PqMhTnOFUt
— Mark Atuaia (@CoachAtuaia) April 27, 2020
Virginia also received a pledge Friday from Gaithersburg, Maryland, defensive back William Simpkins III, a rangy 6-2 175-pounder who held offers from Georgia Tech, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, and others. He will also join the program in 2021. Simpkins has played safety and cornerback.
In other football news, UVa had two players drafted by the NFL over the weekend. Wide receiver and kicker returner Joe Reed was selected by the Chargers in the fifth round with the 151st pick. And cornerback Bryce Hall slid a little further than anticipated after suffering a broken ankle this past season, but was finally taken seven picks later by the Jets with the 158th selection.
Thus far, two ‘Hoos have signed as undrafted free agents, quarterback Bryce Perkins (Rams) and linebacker Jordan Mack (Panthers). The most notable player that hasn’t been signed is wideout Hasise Dubois, who many thought would be scooped up quickly if not drafted, given his excellent hands and size. Surprisingly, he hasn’t found a team yet. Defensive lineman Eli Hanback may be able to latch on to a team as well.