2024 TE Willie Rodriguez Targeting Summer Commitment, Talks Kentucky Offer
Willie Rodriguez has a timetable in mind for a decision after receiving an offer from Kentucky.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end from Covington Catholic (Covington, KY) told KSR+ that he is looking to make a college decision in June or July.
“Definitely before my senior season,” Rodriguez said. “I’ll definitely be taking a few unofficials and then hopefully a few official visits before then.”
Rodriguez received his offer from Kentucky on April 19 after being visited by Kentucky associate head coach and tight end coach Vince Marrow and offensive coordinator Liam Coen at his school.
“It’s obviously very close to home, it’s very close, and it’s only an hour away,” Rodriguez said. “My cousin [Patrick Henschen] played for them and it’s always been a hometown team. The program is pretty good, obviously.”
Rodriguez took an unofficial visit to Kentucky earlier this month, coming away impressed with the practice, the coaches, and the players, among other things.
“The facilities were really nice and everybody was really nice around the campus,” he added.
Given his skill set, Rodriguez sees himself playing as a receiving tight end at the next level.
“Just being a versatile tight end that can really put his hands in the dirt and block or stretch out, receive, and be a wide receiver-type,” he said. “I’m really excited about the offer and really excited to see where this takes us for the next visit down to UK.”
Willie Rodriguez’s Recruitment
Willie Rodriguez is yet to take any of his official visits yet, but that may come in the next few months.
“I have a few dates that I could schedule, but we’re still looking at it,” he said.
As for the schools, Rodriguez said the ones that are “top of my list” are Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Virginia Tech. He broke down his thoughts on both Ole Miss and Virginia Tech:
Ole Miss: “Really just the program they’re producing. Their offensive mind of coaching, the way they run their offense, really appeals to me a lot with how I could fit in that offense.”
Virginia Tech: “Once again, the offense they run and how I could get the ball in open space and be one of the big players in their offense. I could produce every single game.”
When it comes to making his actual decision, Rodriguez is taking in all of the factors.
“I really just think it would be academically a good school and a program that feels like I would fit well for my college career,” he said. “I want to go somewhere I can excel the first day I get on campus.”
Where Kentucky Stands at Tight End in 2024
Kentucky has seen a couple of tight end targets commit elsewhere in recent weeks with Gavin Grover committing to Cincinnati on April 16 and Dylan Mesman committing to Louisville on April 28.
With those two options off the table, Kentucky has moved on to a couple of other targets, including Rodriguez and Glenville (OH) tight end Damarion Witten.
As for Rodriguez, the 2024 tight end currently has an NIL Valuation of $13.7k, according to On3, which ranks No. 3,049 in high school football.
“I’m just really physical all-around, defense and offense,” Rodriguez said. “I play both right now. It’s a really physical game, but at the same time, I can get out wide and play like a receiver too.”
The post 2024 TE Willie Rodriguez Targeting Summer Commitment, Talks Kentucky Offer appeared first on On3.
