Robert Rodriguez's goal is simple. Be the best middle linebacker for the best defense in the Western Athletic Conference.
"I'm just trying to be the best player I can be for this team," he said. "For me, this is an opportunity to be a part of something bigger.
"Last year we had some talent, but we had a bunch of young kids that were undisciplined. Now I feel we are much more disciplined."
That's because of new head coach Mike Price, new defensive coordinator Tim Hundley and linebacker coach Tim Duffie, who is starting his third season at UTEP.
Rodriguez, despite leading the WAC in tackles in his freshman and junior years, even points the finger at himself for past UTEP failures. He's striving for more consistency from himself and the rest of the defense, which has allowed 39 points a game the last three seasons.
It's hard to envision Rodriguez doing more. He had 135 stops last year, including a team-best 13 for negative yardage. He racked up 10 or more tackles in nine of the Miners' last 10 games, but it was a 14-stop effort at Louisville that opened some people's eyes.
"I felt I played well at times," Rodriguez said. "I need to be more consistent. I just need to be consistent with my first step, and being pumped up to play each and every play."
"I'm proud of what happened at Louisville. We got behind early and it was gut-check time. We showed the coaches we weren't going to quit."
Rodriguez's motor ran the entire season. He had a season-high 16 tackles and one sack against Tulsa. He added 15 tackles, including two for negative yardage, against Louisiana Tech.
Rodriguez's play quickly caught the eye of Price, both on film and on the field.
"I remember asking if No. 43 (Rodriguez) was for real," said Price, who was hired back in December of last season after the Miners went 2-11 under Gary Nord. "He's a tremendous player. He's one of the best in the league. He has a nose for the ball."
That's a trend that Price expects will continue this season. He's counting on Rodriguez's experience and leadership to get the Miners' turned around on defense.
The Rodriguez File
Position: Middle Linebacker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 230
Year in school: Senior
Honors: Second-team all-WAC in 2003
Notable: Has led the WAC in tackles two of the last three years, garnering 137 as a freshman and 135 as a junior. Had 10 or more tackles in nine of the Miners' last 10 games in 2003. He needs 10 tackles to move into a tied for 10th all time for his UTEP career.
