Interview: 3-Star 2022 Arizona OL Jai Rodriquez Preparing to Showcase Skills at College Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In more ways than one, Jai Rodriquez is a unique talent on the gridiron. Not only is Rodriquez big, 6-6, 275, but he is also killing it in the weight room with a bench max at 295, squat max at 395, and a clean at 285. With the long arms, size, and strength comes the attitude to dominate defenders at the snap of the ball. How and where Rodriquez moves defensive linemen and linebackers around like ragdolls all depends on the Desert Vista play call. Their three-star talent can line up in the interior and at either tackle spot after rotating from the left to right side during the 2020 season. That incredible versatility might be on further display in 2021 with some snaps at center.
With three offers down from Arizona State, Idaho, and Northern Arizona, the Class of 2022 Arizona prospect is ready to take his skills on the road this summer. Rodriquez has already shinned at a regional Under Armour camp and has plans to showcase the technique at Iowa State, UNLV, and during a private workout with Colorado in the coming weeks.
Interview
Jai, if nothing else can be said about your junior season, you definitely got a lot of experience in playing all over the offensive line. By season’s end, where all had you lined up for the Thunder?
I lined up at left and right tackle. This year I am planning on playing left tackle and center if needed. I can play anywhere on the line. On offense, I am all over the line. During my sophomore season I played right guard too. During my junior season I was primarily at left and right tackle.
What style of offense were you guys executing?
We are in a Spread offense. With our new coach, we still have some stuff to figure out.
From guard to tackle, left side to the right, how did the coaches rotate you around? Was it a weakside and strongside flip depending on the play call?
Yes, sir.
At which position do you feel more comfortable?
I feel comfortable on the offensive line in general. At tackle, that is what I train and primarily play.
Playing tackle, how did your game show improvement throughout the season?
My pass blocking showed a lot of improvement; I got a lot faster. We worked during the offseason a lot with my offensive line coach and trainer. I did a lot of pass blocking and some run stuff. He wanted to make sure my speed was there and I could get a wide-9 if needed.
Did you count your pancakes and/or knockdowns during the 2020 season?
I did not, unfortunately.
My asking you to guess, about how many per game were you averaging?
About four or five pancakes per game.
What are you working on with your run blocking this spring?
When I train, I am working on staying low and my pad level. I am also working on explosiveness with my hands and getting my hands on him before he gets them on me. I am also working on my speed and firing off the ball.
Which areas of your game are you focusing on with your pass-pro?
I am working on striking mostly and timing my punch; I think the speed is there. With my speed, I am getting my kicks in before he works a move and moving keeping me between him and the quarterback. I am mostly working on striking and timing my punch.
What lifts are you doing this spring to help bring more explosiveness to your blocks?
For explosiveness power, I am doing hang clean, bench, and squats. Our strength coach has a priority list for us of the main lifts, then we have a workout after that.
What are your maxes on the primary lifts?
My bench is 295, my squat is about 395, and my clean is 285.
Impressive.
Thank you.
You got a chance to compete at the Under Armour All-American Camp earlier this spring. How did that camp go for you?
That was a great camp for me. I didn’t get a lot of one on ones, I got two, but I won them both. I got a pancake on one. That was a great camp and experience for me.
Are there any upcoming camps you may attend?
I will be attending a camp at Iowa State, UNLV with most of the Pac-12 schools, and then I am going to Colorado for a workout with their offensive line coach. I have been invited to Northwestern and Utah State camps, but I have to talk to my dad about that.
Which programs are showing interest ahead of the college camp season?
Colorado is a huge one. Iowa State, I have talked to them a little bit, and I am talking to Arizona State, Idaho, and NAU (Northern Arizona); my offers. I am keeping up with them
Are there any visits you may take this summer?
On June 8th, I am going to Colorado on an unofficial visit and do the workout.
Jai, thank you for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck with all the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Featured photo credit: NIL/Rodriquez family; Jai Rodriquez
Photo credit: Rodriquez family; Jai Rodriquez