Chris Rodriguez's 2021 Goal: "Be the best running back in the SEC"

Throughout preseason practice, Kentucky football fans have salivated at reports of the Wildcats’ passing game with Will Levis under center. The buzz surrounding Liam Coen’s aerial attack has gotten Chris Rodriguez lost in the wash as he prepares to make a case to be the best running back in the SEC.

“You’ve gotta be able to run the football,” offensive coordinator Liam Coen said Tuesday evening. “I don’t care how many times you throw it. You’ve got to be physical when you need to be and still run the football when you need to be and I’m a crazy man if I don’t hand the ball to these backs.”

Last year Rodriguez led the SEC in yards per carry, picking up 6.6 yards an attempt. Pro Football Focus graded him as the second best running back in America. But entering this season he only earned preseason second team All-SEC honors.

Despite his efficiency, C-Rod averaged just over 13 touches a game and never carried it more than 20 times once. As excited as we are to see Levis, Rodriguez included, the offense knows who needs the rock. When he’s successful, everyone is successful.

“You have to take the train to get to the airplane,” said Rodriguez. “We still know. Me and Will (Levis) know, coaches know. We’re going to try to do some different things, but we’re ready for everything.”

Prior to the start of the season, Rodriguez took a page from his predecessor, Benny Snell. C-Rod wrote down his lofty goals on a piece of paper to read every single day.

“I have them on a little sheet right above my sink so every morning when I brush my teeth, I see it. Those goals are, obviously, I want to break records. I want to score touchdowns, I want to be able to pick up pass protections, I don’t want anything to get by. I want to be the best (running) back in the SEC and that’s what I’m working toward right now.”

He added: “I averaged six (yards per carry) last year. Let’s average ten this year. I know it’s a big goal, but don’t we all chase perfection without being able to reach it?“

Rodriguez has quietly prepared for the biggest football season of his life. With the moments counting down to kickoff, Coen can see it in his face: Rodriguez is ready to become the best running back in the SEC.

“Chris has really amped up his laser focus, his approach to practice, his finishing of runs,” said Coen. “So I’ve gotta believe Chris Rodriguez is going to be ready to go and I’m excited to see him on Saturday.”