Sometimes, getting out of your comfort zone is the best decision.
At least that’s how San Diego native Jonah Rodriguez looks at his decision to transfer from San Diego State to the Arizona Wildcats.
“It was a great decision that I made. I had to get away from home,” the offensive lineman said. “I felt like Arizona was a great fit for me, especially (offensive line coach Josh Oglesby). I feel like I’m going to be developed really well.”
Rodriguez, a 6-4, 275-pound tackle, signed with the Aztecs over Arizona, San Jose State, Colorado, Boise State and Arizona State, among others, out of Madison High School in 2023. Oglesby handled San Jose State’s recruitment of Rodriguez.
“Coach O has been recruiting me for about three years now,” Rodriguez said.
Added Rodriguez: “He’s a great coach. I feel like he knows what he’s doing. He’s obviously been in leagues and was one of the top players coming out of high school. Not only is he a good coach, but he’s a good man, too. He likes to build relationships with his players, and that’s hard to say with most coaches.”
Arizona center Josh Baker said earlier in the spring that Oglesby, who was an All-Big Ten tackle at Wisconsin, is “a lot more fine detail” than his previous offensive line coaches.
“It’s a lot more in-depth, and it’s what we like,” Baker said. “It’s very nice, it’s very personable, it’s very one-on-one coaching.”
Rodriguez is one of two offensive linemen joining Arizona since the end of its spring practice schedule, along with Oregon Ducks tackle Michael Wooten. The Wildcats have four starters returning on the offensive line and have brought in four offensive linemen through the transfer portal; Arizona signed Alexander Doost (Northwestern) and Ryan Stewart (San Jose State), who practiced this spring.
Rodriguez joined ESPN Tucson’s “Spears and Ali” recently to talk about his recruitment and visit, how he fits into Arizona’s rotation — and video games. Here’s what Rodriguez discussed:
Why did you choose SDSU over Arizona coming out of high school?
A: “I chose San Diego State coming out of high school because it was more me just wanting to stay home. I wasn’t ready to leave home. After being there for a year, I realized getting away from home was the best decision I needed to make. I just felt like I had too many distractions. Being so close to family, friends, it made it so easy to go out and hang out after practice — and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I just felt like I had to get away from that and take football to another level.”
Summarize your official visit to Arizona ...
A: “I landed there late, so I got to see the city for the first time at night, so that was good. Stayed at a resort, met the coaches, went out to eat, checked out the facilities, took some pictures. Man, it was a great time. I love the city, love the people, love the team. I met a couple teammates, so it was cool.”
What was your favorite part of the visit to the UA?
A: “Meeting Coach O and Coach Brennan.”
How do you see yourself fitting into Arizona’s offensive line? Are you a tackle? Guard?
A: “I view myself as a tackle. I love moving with the fast guys, the bigger guys, but they could easily push me inside. ... Coming out of high school, I always played tackle. My first year at San Diego State, I played tackle, but during the spring with the new coaching staff, I got moved down to guard so I got a feel for both of them. ... Freshman year, I played right tackle; sophomore year, I played left. I play both sides. Sides don’t matter.”
What are the Wildcats getting out of you as a player?
A: “A physical, tough, dominant player, a smart player and a player who loves to play the game of football. I take football seriously, so my feet are quick, the hands got a strike and you’re going to see it this season.”
What was your childhood like growing up in San Diego?
A: “It’s been amazing. San Diego is one of the best cities in the world. Mom, dad, brother, two sisters and we all grew up in the same house. We were always a tight family, and I went to the same school as my sisters, so we were always really close.”
What do you like to do outside of football?
A: “I love hanging out with my family, my friends. I play (video games) sometimes and play Madden. I love working out, going to the beach and looking at the waves. I’m a laid-back guy, so I love going on walks and enjoying nature.”
You bring up Madden, so how do feel about opting in to be on the UA roster for EA Sports’ revived “College Football 25?”
A: “It’s great for the players. It’s a great idea. It’s going to be fun seeing everyone I know and seeing myself on the game. It’s going to be tight. I love it. I can’t wait for it to come out.”
What do you think should be your highest-rated skill for your player in EA Sports’ “College Football 25”?
A: “Aggressiveness. I’m an aggressive player.. ... High 90s (rating).”
Arizona coach Brent Brennan addresses the crowd at the Wildcat Welcome Tour stop at Union Public House in Tucson on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 (video by Michael Lev / Arizona Daily Star)
