2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Kentucky vs. Georgia
A surprising undefeated team takes on the nation’s best defense in an SEC East showdown littered with 2022 NFL Draft prospects.
Kentucky at Georgia 3:30 PM ET CBS
The University of Kentucky’s football team hasn’t been 6-0 since 1950 when they were coached by Bear Bryant. Mark Stoops has done a tremendous job with his squad, as the Wildcats are positioned to have one of the best seasons in school history. After Saturday, we’ll know for sure how good they really are.
It’s not a surprise that Georgia is undefeated, and they’re not only ranked #1 in the country, but they’re also favored by 21.5 points in this game on Saturday. Their defense, anchored by their incredible front seven, is the best in the nation, bar none. Georgia is leading the NCAA FBS in fewest yards allowed per game (201.2) and fewest points allowed per game (5.5). The Bulldogs have only allowed three offensive touchdowns all season and have yet to allow an offensive touchdown in the first half of any of their six games.
Kentucky actually has a few offensive skill players that could be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft and Georgia’s defense is rife with prospects, so this article will focus on the players on the field when Kentucky has the ball.
Kentucky RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
When it comes to college running backs this season, many people want to talk about Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III or Bijan Robinson of Texas. Not many people are mentioning Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez Jr., who showed glimpses of star potential last season and is beginning to realize it this year.
Through six games, Rodriguez is fifth in the country in rushing yards at 768, and he’s picking up an efficient 6.4 yards per carry. He’s also added five rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. He’s nearly equaled his rushing yardage total from nine games last year in only six this season. How he fares in this matchup against a stout Georgia defense could have a stark effect on his 2022 NFL Draft stock.
A compact back, Chris Rodriguez Jr. stands 5’11” 224 pounds. He’s a tough runner that consistently picks up yards after contact and excels at running between the tackles. The redshirt junior running back is not afraid to take on defenders and attempt to run them over.
His skill is especially evident on shotgun draws because he can take his time getting to the hole and explode up through it once it develops. Rodriguez has a low center of gravity and runs with good leverage, making him an ideal candidate for running plays in short yardage and goal line situations. While does have a surprisingly good burst once he gets through the hole, Chris Rodriguez Jr. doesn’t have elite top-end speed and will get his yards in five, eight, and 12-yard chunks as opposed to frequently bolting 50+ yards for scores.