Malcolm Rodriguez Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

It’s 2019 and the Cowboys have had as many Big 12 Defensive Players of the Week this season as they have Offensive Player of the Week awards.

Malcolm Rodriguez was named the league’s DPOW after Oklahoma State’s 34-27 victory against Iowa State on Saturday. The game-winning pick-six was Rodriguez’s highlight play from Saturday, but he was solid throughout the game. The safety-turned linebacker had a game-high 11 tackles. He also had a pass breakup on a third down that forced Iowa State to punt.

“I don’t think (Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy) ever saw Malcolm,” Gundy said Monday. “… Malcolm’s very, very athletic, played shortstop, got good hands, and that did help.”

Rodriguez leads OSU with 66 total tackles this season, that number is third-most among Big 12 players.

“You know his history,” Gundy said of Rodriguez. “He’s a four-sport athlete, he’s a wrestler, he’s mentally tough and physically tough, and he made the transition (to linebacker) really smooth. It’s certainly helped our team.

“He’s really a perfect fit for us with what we’re asking him to do at this time.”

Rodriguez marks the fifth time this season an OSU player has won a Big 12 weekly award. Chuba Hubbard won two Offensive Player of the Week awards, Spencer Sanders won Newcomer of the Week honors for his performance against McNeese and Kolby Harvell-Peel was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after the Texas game.