Willie Rodriguez Willie Rodriguez 6'4" | 235 lbs | TE Covington Catholic | 2024 State KY continued to establish himself as one of the most talented players in the entire state this season. The senior tight end played a huge role in the Covington Catholic passing game, catching 29 passes for 488 yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games. He has the speed to pose as a true vertical threat down the seam but also has shown the ability to run a full route tree. Rodriguez also has very impressive hands and has shown the ability to turn up the field and pick up yards after the catch. He is also impressive as a blocker, showing the ability to drive his man out of the picture to create a running lane for the ball carrier. Rodriguez also played a key role on defense as a defensive end/outside linebacker, finishing the season with 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three sacks. Willie has committed to staying in the Bluegrass state to play at Kentucky where I see him becoming a key piece of their offense once he gets there.

Willie Rodriguez Willie Rodriguez 6'4" | 235 lbs | TE Covington Catholic | 2024 State KY is a player that has continued to establish himself as one of the most talented players in the entire state this season and continued to impress last week. The senior tight end played a key role in the Covington Catholic passing game in their win over Ashland Blazer, catching six passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns. He showed the ability to line up both as a true tight end and in the slot where he was able to use smooth breaks in his routes to create separation. After the catch, Rodriguez showed the speed to get up the field to pick up extra yards and contact balance to break tackles without losing stride. He also made an impact on defense at defensive end, finishing the game with three tackles and a sack. Rodriguez is committed to Kentucky where I can see him becoming a key piece of their offense once he gets there. Willie and the Colonels will be looking to keep their season alive in a third round matchup against Johnson Central this week.

Willie Rodriguez Willie Rodriguez 6'4" | 235 lbs | TE Covington Catholic | 2024 State KY is a player that has quickly made a name for himself over the past couple years. He had an impressive junior year, catching 14 passes for 295 yards and five touchdowns in just six games. Rodriguez has a ton of versatility, showing the ability to line up as a true tight end and in the slot. He is a huge threat in the passing game, showing the ability to serve as a deep threat down the seam while also showing the ability to run a full route tree. Rodriguez also has the athleticism to win jump ball situations and is a strong runner after the catch. Willie is committed to Kentucky where I see him becoming a key piece of their offense once he gets there.

Yes, I know Kentucky isn’t really a Midwest state, but Covington Catholic is right over the OH/KY border and just outside of Cincinnati, and 6’4, 235 lb. TE/OLB Willie Rodriguez is a good-looking 2024 who has absolutely exploded on the recruiting trail this offseason. Starting with his first offer back at the end of November, which came from Miami (OH), Rodriguez has added 29 (!) more FCS, FBS, and P5 offers, most recently from the homestate Kentucky Wildcats, the Arkansas Razorbacks, Purdue, South Carolina, USF, Texas Tech, Illinois, and Ole Miss, all since March 30th. A standout three-sport athlete who just nabbed his 100th win on the wrestling mat this winter, Rodriguez is long, lean, and athletic, and is an excellent asset in the passing game who can high point and win 50/50 balls, burn pursuers after the catch, and enforce his will in the run game. His long legs help him slip through tackle attempts and stay upright through contact, he’s got a big catch radius and can maintain receptions through contact, and I was pleasantly surprised by some of the hits he dished out as a blocker. The coordination, balance, and speed are rarities in a prospect of his size, and the dominance and physicality as a blocker make him even more unusual for a kid you’d assume would be more interested in having the ball in his hands. No wonder he has so many heavyweight offers! More are coming.

Willie Rodriguez Willie Rodriguez 6'4" | 235 lbs | TE Covington Catholic | 2024 State KY is a player that has truly made a name for himself over the past year. He finished his junior year with 14 receptions for 295 yards and five touchdowns in just six games. Rodriguez has shown the versatility to line up both as a true tight end on the end of the line of scrimmage and in the slot. He has the speed to pose as a vertical threat down the seam but can also run a full route tree. Rodriguez also has a high catch radius and is very dangerous after the catch. Willie has been reeling in Division I interest, currently holding 21 offers, and I believe that  list will continue to grow as he is a Power 5 caliber tight end.