Vype Houston 2019 first team Quarterback selection Eric Rodriguez is criminally underrated. Rodriguez led Fort Bend Travis to a perfect 10-0 regular season record while reaching the endzone over 40 times. This kid is the definition of “stars mean nothing”. I recently caught up with the Tigers dual threat to discuss his football background, check it out…
Congrats on the season first of all, I want to know your very first memory playing football as a kid.
Scoring those long touchdown runs in my flag days were my most memorable. That’s when I knew I wanted to play football, especially the quarterback position, forever.
Who’s the most influential person in your life that keeps you pushing everyday?
The most influential person in my life is my Dad. I see how hard he works and all the effort he puts in to provide for the family and it pushes me to work hard and be great in whatever I do.
What are your game day rituals?
I keep the same routine every game day. I eat, use the restroom, get taped, and pack my bag all in the same order. I don’t consider it superstitious. The routine just puts me in the game day mindset.
From the outside looking in, it seems like you play with a chip on your shoulder. What causes that?
I apparently don’t meet the “eye test,” according to some folks. When I step on the field, I use that bit as fuel to prove the doubters wrong. There are plenty of college and NFL QBs that have proven the theory that height doesn’t make a great QB. If you can play, then you can play.
Go into detail about what it’s like playing with WR Parker Washington.
Parker definitely made my job a lot easier. When you’re playing with one of your closest friends, the game becomes a lot more fun. All the time we put in together, the workouts, the film study, the sleepovers, all the time spent together. We created a bond and connection that forced teams to double him.That opened up other receivers which helps our offense out a lot. Parker was definitely a part in my success.
Which player(s) do you watch (current or retired) that you model your game after?
My favorite players to watch are Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. Their ability to escape the pocket and keep the play alive to make a throw downfield are what impresses me.
In what ways have your coaches played an important role in your life?
The many various coaches that I’ve played under have made me more versatile in my play. I’ve learned something different from every single one of them.
Scenario: it’s 4th & goal from the 10 yard line – What play are you running & why?
Field Goal. 3 points are better than 0.
What are your goals after football?
God willing, I graduate with a BS in business and minor in Kinesiology. If possible, earn my masters or at least start on some of my classes for my masters. I want to have my own business in training athletes with a recovery center included.
I’ve been to a few of your games this past season and I must say that you guys have one of the best student sections out there. Explain what the Travis Tiger fanbase is like and how does it motivate the team?
Our Travis fan base is awesome! They definitely give our guys, especially our defense, an added energy boost. They help us push through when things get hard. Our school has a club called Scream Team, where students sign up to come support at every game, home and away. I really appreciate all the love and support they showed our team this season.
In your own words, define success.
Achieving the goals I set for myself, learning from my mistakes and helping others reach their goals in the process.
