The dream of playing for the Oklahoma Sooners will soon become a reality for defensive end Dalton Rodriguez. Rodriguez is transferring to Oklahoma from Tulsa after being dismissed by the Golden Hurricane. Rodriguez was dismissed by Tulsa for a violation of team rules back in March.
“I’m ready to put in the work and ready to get back on the field,” Rodriguez said, per The Oklahoman. “It was cool getting to play as a freshman and TU was all right, but I had my doubts about it from when I first got there.”
Rodriguez recorded seven tackles and a pair of sacks for Tulsa in 2013. Rodriguez had committed to the Sooners out of high school. The Sooners would have had Rodriguez play on the offensive side of the ball, but Rodriguez had a desire to play defense. That opportunity was given to him by Tulsa, which also allowed him to stay closer to home. It is not known yet which position Rodriguez will play with the Sooners, but Rodriguez is open to any position that is asked of him.
“They haven’t really said,” Rodriguez told The Oklahoman. “But whatever gets me out on the field quickest.”
Rodriguez will be forced to sit out the 2014 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but plans to work hard to earn a scholarship from Oklahoma in 2015.