ERod's been quick to make an impression on National media. Here's a few comments that have been piece together from the 87th East-West Shrine Game's first East Team practice.
Optimum Scouting's Eric Galko practice notes and Tweets:
"To me, Temple's Evan Rodriguez was the clear leader of the tight ends, also not overly surprising to me. He showed tight, smooth routes in the seam, and used sutler hand placement, route definition down the field to show some separation ability, including one deep pass over the head of Penn State safety/linebacker Nick Sukay. He, as well as the other tight ends, played some full back, but overall, Rodriguez looked the part of the best tight end at the game."
@optimumscouting Seems BJ Cunningham, Thomas Mayo, and Tim Benford getting most consistent seperation. Of TEs, Evan Rodriguez getting lots of passes his way
@optimumscouting PSU's Nick Sukay working in some safety. (listed as LB), but couldn't stick w/ #Temple TE Evan Rodriguez deep. Looking out of place man-man
The Sports Exchange/CBS Sports' Dan Brugler practice notes:
"Teams looking for a poor man's Aaron Hernandez should take a long, hard look at Temple's Evan Rodriguez. He showed his versatility in practice, lining up outside the tackle on the line of scrimmage and also in the backfield. Rodriguez isn't very impressive physically, measuring a hair over 6-1 1/2 and 242 pounds, but he put his reliable hands on display with very good vision and focus to reel in tough catches. He is a smaller target and struggled in blocking drills, but Rodriguez is an intriguing pass-catcher."
NFL Draft Blog's Tom Melton practice notes:
"Evan Rodriguez, TE, Temple: Rodriguez looked like the best tight end on the East roster today. He showed good burst and speed to threaten down the seam and absolutely burned Jerrell Young down the seam as he used good suddenness in his route to catch him flat footed and literally fly right by him. Young recovered though and managed to get up and deflect the pass which was lucky for him because Rodriguez was 5+ yards away from him down the field. Regardless, Rodriguez impressed me today and I will definitely be paying more attention to him as a blocker the rest of the week."
Bleacher Report's Michael Schottey Tweets:
@schottey Another nice play from Rodriguez gettin vertical and making a nice grab on an overthrow...lumbers a bit but nice athlete for his size
@schottey Evan Rodriguez (FB Temple) just made a nice grab on a late ball from Brantley ... Great late round Hback type
@schottey Evan Rodriguez (FB Temple) just made a nice grab on a late ball from Brantley ... Great late round Hback type
