Interview: Flipping the Field with 2019 California P/K Aaron Rodriguez
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
At the high school level, most players cannot specialize on one thing, even as a specialist. Out of necessity, many players with any sort of kicking abilities are called upon to aid the team in one of the most important phases of the game but one that is most often overlooked. One player rising to the challenge for Hart High School in every aspect of the team’s specialist needs is Class of 2019 talent Aaron Rodriguez.
Kickoffs, field goals, punts – you name it, Rodriguez is there to boot the ball. Even though a punter by trade, he was a key contributor to the Indians offense in 2017 hitting 45 of 47 point after attempts and went 4 of 8 on field goals. With the mindset of pinning the opposition, Rodriguez (6-0, 195) carried a 38-yard per punt average during his junior season without a touchback. That same approach has carried into his senior year going perfect on 18 point after attempts made while hitting 2 of 3 on field goal attempts. The punts are coming along as well with 12 attempts on the books covering 440 yards for a 37-yard average. Worth noting yet again, without a touchback.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down to learn more about the California specialist covering all aspects of his game and accomplishments on and off the field.
Interview
Aaron, you do a little bit of everything for Hart on special teams. What all do you do?
“I handle field goals, kickoffs, and punts for Hart.”
Of all the specialist roles you play, which is your best and which is your favorite?
“My best, and favorite, is punting. I have put a lot of work into getting noticed out there for my punting.”
Speaking of, what did you work on this offseason with your game?
“For the most part I worked on my punts. I went to a lot of camps to get my hang time up. Last year, I out punted our coverage sometimes. My coach wanted me to put it up there more to give our coverage guys time to get downfield.”
Which camps did you attend to work on your game even more?
“I went to a lot of different college camps: Oregon, Washington State, USC, Stanford, and UCLA were some of them. I also went to the Kicking World Camp in February.”
Did you win MVP honors and/or competitions at any of the camps?
“Yes. I won the punt competition in Group 2 at Stanford and I won punt competitions at USC and Washington State.”
How did the Kicking World Camp go for you?
“I did well. I won the punt competition. I worked on form and technique there.”
*Click link for Aaron Rodriguez’s Kicking World profile
Where are you seeing the biggest improvement overall with your game?
“I’d say all around my technique and form has gotten better with punts and my field goals. I am hitting the ball a lot cleaner than last year.”
Do you know how many punts you’ve had downed inside the 20 this year?
“This year, I believe I have two. Over my past three years, I have not had a touchback on my punts. I am proud of that.”
I would be too. That is an awesome stat. Congrats.
“Thank you.”
Do you know your average hang-time this year?
“I don’t know for sure. I know I have had three punts over 4.7 seconds. I know for sure that I am averaging over 4.2 seconds per punt.”
What have been some of the highlights of your season thus far?
“I have not had too many big plays, but we had an onside kick return that I did. I knocked the ball out of the guy’s hands to get back to my teammate.”
Nice. What are you goals for the second half of the schedule?
“My goals are to continue to not have any touchbacks on punts, be consistent on field goals, and to be the best teammates I can be.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“I am talking to Washington State. After I won the punt competition there, I have been sending them game film each week. I’ve had some contact with Fresno State as well.”
This may seem like a no-brainer, but at which position are you being recruited?
“Punting.”
Switching to the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.98.”
Have you taken the ACT and/or SAT yet?
“Yes. I scored a 1200 on the SAT and a 27 on the ACT.”
Is there an accomplishment as a student you are most proud of?
“I am our school president.”
That is a big accomplishment. What is that like for you being the school president for Hart?
“Thank you. It is a mindset. You become one of the faces of the school. You carry yourself as a representative of the school at all times.”
Aaron, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your senior year.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Scott Thompson at Hart HS; Aaron Rodriguez in action