Chris Rodriguez wants to Show Physicality at Senior Bowl

The Senior Bowl has been kind to Kentucky Wildcats. The NFL showcase propelled Lonnie Johnson and Luke Fortner up draft boards to become day two selections. A pair of former Wildcats, Keidron Smith and Chris Rodriguez, hope to share a similar fate this week in Mobile (Will Levis ultimately declined an invitation).

Practice begins today. In this event, the practices probably mean more than the actual game. In a conversation with Jacob Hester and T-Bob Hebert on Off the Bench, Chris Rodriguez knows exactly what he wants to show NFL scouts this week.

“I want to prove that I am that big back, that big, physical back that people see on tape. For me it’s going to be expressing that, expressing that I’m really that physical guy,” said Rodriguez.

“Also for me, people when they watch me play realize I’m not very vocal. I don’t talk a lot. I’m trying to get back to that. When I was younger I was kind of that vocal leader and it kind of fell off for me.” He added, “When I was at Kentucky I was a leader, but I wasn’t that vocal leader.”

Rodriguez was one of the most physical running backs in America during his time at Kentucky. An explosive tackle-breaker, he averaged 6.2 yards per carry and finished his career with 3,643 yards, ranking third in UK history.

Chris Rodriguez Meets with all 32 NFL Teams

In addition to the action on the field, the Senior Bowl gives prospects a chance to meet with representatives from every single NFL team. Interviews kicked off last night and C-Rod admitted his head was spinning.

“It was crazy… Sixteen teams, four hours, they all got 15 minutes. You didn’t know what they were going to ask, you didn’t know anything. It was hard at first, but then you kind of get used to it once you keep going and it’s fun,” he said. “I had fun.”

Most of the informal interviews revolved around background — where are you from, what’s your family like — but there was one seemingly surprising constant.

“They all wanted to know what sport you played in high school, your fastest times running track, just different stuff,” said Rodriguez. “Once you go through those, now I know what to expect, I know what they’re going to ask me and I can answer quick.”

Those questions will only get more specific at the NFL Combine one month from this week in Indianapolis. Carrington Valentine and Tashawn Manning are the only two confirmed Kentucky participants, but Rodriguez, Smith and Levis will also surely receive an invitation.

How to Watch the Senior Bowl

NFL+ will provide live coverage from Senior Bowl practices Tuesday-Thursday beginning at 12:30 pm. The NFL Network will have a daily show recapping the action beginning at 8 pm. The Senior Bowl kicks off at Hancock Whitney Stadium Saturday at 2:30 pm EST on the NFL Network.