Commanders Bruising New RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. 'I'm Ready to go Get it!'
The Washington Commanders added to their running back room in the sixth round as Kentucky's Chris Rodriguez Jr. heard his name get called.
After a productive career with Kentucky, Rodriguez will now look for his college production to translate to the NFL.
So how does he feel about being a Commander?
“Feels good, man," Rodriguez said. "I'm excited. Ready to get to work, man. I mean, it's one of those moments I waited for my whole life, man. It feels almost unrealistic almost, man. I'm ready to get to it.”
That kind of willingness to get down to business will no doubt, please head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy as the Commanders go through some offensive changes over the offseason.
Rodriguez was the Kentucky running back for five college seasons, totaling 3,643 yards and 33 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per clip.
Seen as a bruiser who can help pick up the blitz and being a short yardage back who can punish the opposing defense, it is no surprise who his idol was growing up.
“When I was growing up, I was watching Marshawn [Lynch] and he was that guy for me," Rodriguez Jr. said. "I couldn't tell you why. I just liked the way he played football. Ever since then, I was like, all right, I need number 24. So, I couldn't tell you why him, but definitely him. He's him.”
With Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson already on the roster, Washington now has a third back to complement them.
With Bieniemy looking to add some juice to an offense that only averaged 18.9 points per game last season, Rodriguez can be the punishing back Washington needs while being Sam Howell's protector in obvious passing situations.
And...
He is ready to put it all on the line.
“Yeah, I just wanna show them that I'm willing to do anything," Rodriguez said. "Not only am I willing to be a running back, I'm willing to be a great teammate, willing to be on special teams, any special teams at that, and I'm gonna give him my best 24/7. There's not gonna be a day that I take a day off. I'm not gonna take a rep off. Like, this is something I've been dreaming for my whole life and it's coming true, so it's time to get to it.”
While a single down is yet to be played, it appears that Washington is getting a running back who is willing to do everything he can to make his team better, and you can never have enough of those guys.
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