Like Football Father, Like Football Son For Rodriguez Family

As the old saying goes: the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

When Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez is thinking, sleeping and eating football so to is son Rhett-a rising junior quarterback at Catalina Foothills High in Tucson.

“We never stop thinking about football,” the 6’1, 185-pounder told Sports360AZ.com in a recent interview. “[We] dream about football. I go through plays. I know their offense, I know my offense.”

Much of Rhett’s knowledge of the Cats’ spread attack comes from his dad, while his grasp of the CFHS Falcons’ offense comes from his two seasons starting on varsity.

“He’s such a smart guy,” Rich Rodriguez said with a smile to Sports360AZ.com during a recent passing league tournament at ASU. “He picks up things just by watching. Obviously, he’s older and I think he has a lot of respect from the guys around him…he’s very comfortable in that role.”

Rodriguez’s mastery behind center is bad news for opponents as the Falcons look to build off their 7-4 season a year ago but he knows he has some work to do this summer to get ready for their season opener at west Valley power Desert Edge on August 21st.

“I just want to get more accurate and have a stronger arm,” Rhett explained. “Anything I can do to get better, whether mentally or physically, I want to do it.”

Rich Rodriguez has already seen the fruits of his son’s labor pay off since stepping on campus as a freshman starting on varsity.

“He’s grown physically,” he said. “He’s really worked hard in the weight room. He’s been working out five days a week and has really committed to football.”

Rhett says he will let the recruiting process play out but would love to possibly one day play for his dad down in the Old Pueblo. He had received interest from former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini before he was let go late last fall.  

“He’s a great young man. A great son and great brother to his sister.”