Former University of Miami and NFL offensive lineman Joel
Rodriguez begins his second year as an assistant coach at Bryant in
2009, coaching the Bulldogs' offensive line.
In his first year, the Bulldogs enjoyed a tremendously successful
first year competing at the Division I level, posting a 7-4 record
overall, thanks in part to a strong running game. The
Bulldogs finished the year ranked 28th nationally with 178.3 yards
rushing per game and averaged 337 yards of total offense.
A standout offensive lineman with the Hurricanes from 2001-04,
Rodriguez garnered Verizon Academic All-District honors during his
career and was named to three Big East All-Academic teams and one
ACC All-Academic squad.
After serving as a backup during his first two years, Rodriguez
was the starting center and anchor on the offensive line as a
junior and senior. Rodriguez played in 11 games as a junior with 10
starts before suffering a season-ending injury against
Rutgers. He was named offensive MVP by the Miami coaching
staff after an outstanding game in the team's win over in-state
rival Florida in 2003.
Rodriguez is a graduate of Monsignor Pace High School where he was
the top-ranked center and fifth-best offensive lineman by Florida
Prep Football.
Born June 27, 1982 in Miami, Florida, Rodriguez signed a
free-agent contract with the NFL's Tennessee Titans and was a
member of the practice squad in 2005 before allocated to the NFL
Europe Berlin Thunder in 2006.
In 2007, Rodriguez was a graduate assistant coach at Mississippi
before coming to Bryant University this spring.
