If there was ever a reason to think Rich Rodriguez might be sticking around Tucson long-term, news about Arizona's latest recruit commitment should aid that belief.
The recruit is a quarterback in the 2017 class from Catalina Foothills. His name — Rhett Rodriguez.
Yes, Rodriguez's son Rhett committed to the UA on Jan. 16. He received the scholarship offer on Jan. 12, he told the Star.
"It’s just really cool," Rodriguez said. "Just because I know the coaching staff and a lot of the players, and I just know so much about this program that’s always been something I've wanted to do. Playing for my dad is something I've always thought about, and it’s just awesome to see that it'll come true."
Rhett Rodriguez is listed at 6 foot 1, 165 pounds. As a junior at Catalina Foothills in 2015, Rodriguez passed for 2,503 yards, 20 touchdowns and two interceptions, and added 624 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. (You can view Rodriguez's junior-season highlights here).
Rich Rodriguez said this about his son at a press conference back in November before the Utah game:
"The football IQ part is easy because Rhett has been around it his whole life. Whenever I come home he's usually sitting in front of the computer watching game film. He will want me to sit and watch it with him. I love that because I like talking ball.
"He has been around it his whole life. He has such a high football IQ, he wants to be a coach. He will probably be a coach before he is 30. He will be a whole lot better than me because he has a better demeanor.
"I am really proud of him and his team. I am proud of the way he handles himself. I think there is pressure on all these kids because there is more scrutiny on all levels, even high school levels. A coach’s kid, whether you're female or male and playing a particular sport you have more eyes and scrutiny on you there. He has handled that phenomenally.
"His mom has been more responsible for his maturity than I have. I am proud of him, proud of my daughter, she cheered at the game. I have been lucky."
