2012.02.07
Frank Beamer to appear on ‘Dan Rather Reports’ story about Army veteran, football hopeful Daniel Rodriguez
If you haven’t heard about Daniel Rodriguez‘s story, it’s a good one.
Here’s the CliffsNotes version from Brett Haber‘s story on Washingtonian.com in late December: “Daniel was a captain and three-year starter at Brooke Pointe High School in Stafford, Virginia, and led his team to a district championship in his senior season. Because of a series of personal hardships, including the death of his father, Daniel did not go directly to college. Instead, he enlisted in the army, serving two 12-month combat tours—one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.
“On October 3, 2009, Rodriguez and his unit were at the center of one of the bloodiest showdowns of the entire war. The Battle of Kamdesh unfolded in the eastern mountains of Afghanistan and saw a force of roughly 300 Taliban soldiers ambush an American force one-fifth its size. The American force suffered eight deaths; the Taliban lost 150. Daniel was wounded. He caught shrapnel in his legs and neck and took a bullet fragment through his shoulder. He received the Bronze Star for valor for his acts during that battle, which, according to accounts, include him running 300 meters under heavy fire to take the place of a fallen soldier.
“Daniel was treated for his wounds in-country and completed his 12-month tour. He is home now, and is taking advantage of the GI Bill by attending school at Germanna Community College in Fredericksburg. He wants to transfer to a four-year institution and resume his football career—and his dream is to do it at Virginia Tech.”
In the follow-up story late last December, it’s noted that the 24-year-old Rodriguez’s tape was passed on to Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, who was impressed and planned to make contact with Rodriguez.
Now, Rodriguez’s story is being told on ”Dan Rather Reports” tonight at 8 p.m. on HDNET. Here are two clips:
- This one is of Rodriguez talking about the firefight in Afghanistan.
- This one is of Beamer talking about his background at The Citadel and his appreciation for the military.
You’ll note that Beamer does not comment specifically about Rodriguez. NCAA rules prohibit him from talking about prospective players who have not signed a national letter of intent with the school. This is a long way from being a done deal at Virginia Tech (or any other school, for that matter). Rodriguez would have to get into school before he could try out for the football team.
But, Beamer sounds open to the idea. As he said in the clip from the Rather show: “Over the years, I think we’ve been a team that hasn’t always gone on how big are you or how fast are you. It’s how you play the game. … And with that in mind, I think it’s likely that I’d give an under-sized, over-the-age, Army guy a chance.”
In case you don’t get the channel, here’s a video from November of Rodriguez’s story, done by a production crew he hired to get the attention of a big-time football school.
And if there aren’t enough good stories on the subject, here’s a recent one by ThePostGame.com.
What a great story. He’s really locked onto something with his workout methods, too. Here’s hoping that he becomes a Hokie. It would be really cool to see him as a situation WR and a special teams star. Of course, it would be even better to see him as more than that, but the special teams angle might really be a good one.
Regardless of where he goes to university, it certainly sounds like Daniel Rodriguez is headed in the right path. Many HUGE thanks to him for his sacrifice and courage in serving our nation. What a great American…
Comment by crooked road — February 7, 2012 @ 12:47 am
This is why I love college football. This why we should be proud Americans. Thank you Mr. Rodriguez for your sacrifice so I may live as a free American and complain about what I don’t have. Go Hokies and Go Beamer give him an opportunity. Like any under privileged person, that is all he wants.
Comment by Hokie Fan — February 7, 2012 @ 7:03 am
Give this HERO a chance Lord Beamer!
Comment by Mike — February 7, 2012 @ 7:55 am
Reminds me of another hero on a bigger stage. Does anyone remember Rocky Blier(spelling might be wrong)? I was around the big city during that time and the Steelers had much the same scheme of runners as Tech slashing and driving. Great story.
Comment by fauxplay — February 7, 2012 @ 9:33 am
search on youtube ,sorry the spelling is Bleier
Comment by fauxplay — February 7, 2012 @ 9:40 am
Great story! Reminds me of Rudy, but even more amazing if he were to achieve his dream and one day play for the Hokies (after being injured in war). I am a Hokie from Blacksburg, VA, and we would love to see him play here. What a true inspiration! Best of luck to him!
Comment by Ana — February 7, 2012 @ 9:42 am
Rocky Bleier was always one of my favorite Steelers. Of course, that list included at least a dozen players, as those 70′s era teams were just so loaded with character. Bleier now makes a handsome income from motivational speaking.
Comment by crooked road — February 7, 2012 @ 9:43 am
What a gesture it would be to (even though he is on the GI bill) to give hime a scholarship. A lot of of goodwill and good press would come from it.
Comment by FIZ — February 7, 2012 @ 9:58 am
Tech needs to do everyhing in their power to get this guy in school. Then Beamer can let him walk on, or give him a scholarship. College football needs a ‘feel-good’ story, and it needs to happen at Tech!
GOD BLESS our military!! (And their families)
Comment by 69HOKIE — February 7, 2012 @ 10:33 am
With the amount of scholarships available in football, it would be a wise move by Beamer to spend one on this guy. As mentioned above, the goodwill generated would exponentially pay back the effort.
Comment by crooked road — February 7, 2012 @ 10:55 am
Are you kidding me!!!!!!! Coach Beamer you want to get to the BCS? Get this HERO into Tech, give him perfered Walk On, and use this motivation to rub off onto your best recruting class in years! Can’t wait to by my BCS tickets and watch us win. Great story and a great individual.
Comment by NJHokie53 — February 7, 2012 @ 11:25 am
I don’t care if Daniels make it as a Hokies, his service to our country was a noble and honorable one. God bless America!
Comment by Trevor — February 7, 2012 @ 12:06 pm
I’m sure if this young man can qualify for entry into VT, he will get he chance to at least walk-on. I’ve always admired the walk-ons who end up earning scholorships by their hustle and determination. Guys like John Engleberger, Jarrett Ferguson, Dustin Pickle and Cody Grimm. I would love tosee Daniel Rodriguez add his name to that list.
Comment by justafan — February 7, 2012 @ 12:28 pm
We owe it to Mr. Rodriguez to give him a chance at his dream.
A man who fights for our country, for his fellow soldiers, (even after being hurt himself), & a MAN who is following through on a promises he made to a friend/fellow soldier whom he watch die in front of him and he dreams about every night….someone has to have a heart to give Mr. Rodriguez’s a scholarship!!! I’m sorry, but this man truly deserves it. Mr. Rodriguez’s, thank you for your service to your country! Good Luck my friend!
Comment by Mmiller — February 8, 2012 @ 5:44 am