CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The fall 2025 football season features a strong senior running back class in the Coastal Bend. That's why we're highlighting six seniors in our second annual KRIS Super 6 Showcase, a combine-like environment that will air Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. on KRIS 6.
When you talk about strength, Calallen's returning running back and State powerlifting qualifier Ricardo Rodriguez comes to mind. Last year Calallen‘s backfield shared reps, but Rodriguez helped the team every opportunity he got. That’s why he’s been named to our KRIS Super 6 Showcase.
“It’s definitely my patience, and I try to make sure I go through the gap right," Rodriguez said. "I find out where the gap is so I can score that touchdown.”
The 5-foot-7, 175 lb. rusher shared the backfield last fall, but injuries before week one sidelined his teammates. Forcing head coach Charlie Reeve to call an audible.
“First game of the year he really came onto the scene, and I’ll be honest we had two seniors ahead of him that game,” Reeve said.
Rodriguez rushed for a season high 243 yards on 24 carries and scored 2 touchdowns against Gregory-Portland. That’s when Reeve saw Rodriguez’s talent take flight.
“He’s hard to take down. He’s got great balance. He’s a strong runner, especially for what we do," Reeve said. "He matches well to the schemes. Downhill and playing in-between the tackles.”
Rodriguez models his mindset to his older brother Alan who played running back and linebacker at Calallen.
“He’s always playing hard. He’s always trying to kill people," Rodriguez said. "He’s out there hitting people hard. Everyone tried game-planning over him, so I was like ‘I want to be like him.”
Rodriguez has built his strength in the weight room, competing in powerlifting for the Wildcats. Last season he placed eighth at State. His equipped maxes are 645 lb. for squat, 365 lb. bench and 575 lb. deadlift.
“It definitely gave me more power on my on my legs," Rodriguez said. "I’m definitely able to break those tackles for sure.”
However, his motivation comes from his mother Gloria.
“She’s always been there," Rodriguez said. "She’s always working hard. I’d always see her working long hours to get money for us and support the family because she was a single mom raising three boys. That’s difficult. I know it is.”
Last year, Rodriguez totaled 820 yards on 119 carries with 7 touchdowns. Calallen won district and went three rounds deep in playoffs, his goal is to help the Wildcats go even further.
“My goal is to be able to rush for 1,500 yards, get at least 10 touchdowns and be able to support the team in many ways," Rodriguez said. "Make sure they can count on me.”
Ricardo is one of six senior running backs in the Coastal Bend that have been selected to compete in our KRIS Super 6 Showcase. His lineman is Ethan Barrientos. A combine-like environment that will put our athletes to the test through drills and more. The Showcase is scheduled to air on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m on KRIS 6 and then later that day at 9:30 p.m. on our sister station KDF.
KRIS Super 6 Showcase Senior Running Backs:
Damian Figueroa, Tuloso-Midway
Mykha Green, Sinton
John Hinojosa, Odem
Ricardo Rodriguez, Calallen
Traey Alvarado, Rockport-Fulton
Aidan Andalon, Bishop
Calallen kicks off the 2025 varsity schedule with a non-district Battle of the Wildcats rivalry in Gregory-Portland. The non-district game starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29.
The showcase is sponsored by Neessen Chevrolet.
