Rhett Rodriguez (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)
Arizona Wildcats quarterback commit Rhett Rodriguez, the son of Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez, might feel a little more pressure being the quarterback-playing son of a high-profile coach.
“To me, it’s a blessing,” Rhett said after leading Catalina Foothills to a 35-31 victory over Cactus Shadows on Friday in the opening round of the 5A playoffs.
“I don’t look at any negatives whatsoever. Sure, I’ll be scrutinized a little more. Sure, there’s a little more pressure on me. But the advantages I have, having an offensive genius, a football genius, at home, eating dinner with me, it’s clearly an advantage.
“I think it’s been a real major key for me playing football.”
Rodriguez completed 12 of 18 passes for 263 yards, and he ran eight times for 66 yards, in Friday night’s victory. He was chosen the AllSportsTucson.com Star of the Night for Southern Arizona.
Check out some of the game highlights below from our pals at KOLD:
Catalina Foothills coach Jeff Scurran, a local coaching legend, was asked by Jason Bartel of Arizona Desert Swarm about what stood out about Rhett’s performance.
“It’s the same thing tonight that made me start him as a freshman four years ago,” Scurran said. “Rhett’s a leader. And he gets the job done. He plays error-free. He can make a lot of checks at the line.
“And probably the most important thing — and you can’t coach it if they don’t have it — and that’s the ability to rally at the end of a game and not lose your confidence and keep the team going. …
“He just doesn’t make mistakes.”
Scurran said Rodriguez is the only four-year starter he’s ever had at any position. Scurran also praised Rhett’s academic efforts and work ethic.
“Of course, his dad brings him football knowledge, but, let me tell you something, that’s a tight, well-knit family,” he said. “When they’re together, it’s really fun to watch the whole group.”
Watch the full Scurran interview on Arizona Desert Swarm’s YouTube channel, and below is the postgame video from Rhett, a three-star recruit, according to 247Sports…
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