2025 Interview with Gabriel Rodriguez from Grove City High School

 

Gabriel Rodriguez

Grove City High School

Positions played

DL

2026

5,11. 230

Jersey Number 91

Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and/or memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.

My junior season was great. The way I would describe my junior season would be competitive. We always stepped up and set the tone every play. We pulled up to every game ready to compete and show out no matter how good a team may seem. We all pushed each other to reach the next level and do the best we can. We had a great connection with each other, and that really helped us do great things that season. The best moment this season for me had to be when we were down against the Westland Cougars by two touchdowns at halftime. We go into the locker room, and we all just sit down and play music. Next thing you know, our middle linebacker was stepping up and talking about how we are still in this, and we come out the second half and not only come back but we win by two touchdowns. (Highlights) http://hudl.com/v/2S8nbR

How long have you played football, and who or what got you playing?

I have been playing football for 5 years. I started playing as a way to push me out of my comfort zone and compete.

What keeps you playing this game?

The thing that keeps me playing this game is the competitiveness and getting to hit somebody every play.

Is it a rivalry if one team wins 90% of the time?

No, it is nowhere near a rivalry when you win 90% of the time. It’s supposed to be a competition; it’s not a competition when you’re whooping them 90% of the time. Kind of what Grove City does to Central Crossing.

Would you rather kick off your season with your rivalry or end it with them?

I would love to kick off the season with a rivalry, for our team can start with high energy.

Where on the defensive line do you feel you are best at?

Any position I feel confident at, I feel the best in a three-technique due to my experience with interior O-linemen.

How would you help a younger teammate out who is having football-related problems?

If a younger teammate of mine was struggling with something football-related, I would try my best to show them what they can do better and try to meet up with them to work on whatever they need help with outside of scheduled practice.

What makes you a good teammate?

What makes me a good teammate is my ability to encourage and uplift those around me. I consistently show respect to all my teammates, fostering a positive environment, and I excel in effective communication, ensuring that we are always on the same page.

What type of offense do you like facing the best ?

My favorite offense to play is a spread team. Because then I have more opportunities for pass rush.

What is something you'd like to do in a game but might never have the chance to?

Something I would like to do in a game is get a pickoff on a screen ball, hurdle a QB, and reach into the inzone.

What makes you a good teammate?

What makes me a good teammate is my ability to encourage and uplift those around me. I consistently show respect to all my teammates, fostering a positive environment, and I excel in effective communication, ensuring that we are always on the same page.

What are you going to miss the most from the 2025 class?

The biggest thing I will miss from the 2025 class would be the way they brought the hype into the game and really set the tone at all points and in every area, at least for my team.

If you had to move to another state to live, where are you moving to?

If I had to move to another state, it would be Tennessee because of the weather.

What is your go-to snack?

My go-to snack is Cheez-Its.

What is your favorite energy drink?

My favorite energy drink is a Monster Energy Zero Ultra (the white one).

 

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