Chris Rodriguez Jr. shares amusing reaction to getting hit for the first time in 2022 season

Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. missed the first 4 games of the 2022 season due to suspension. He was back on the field against Ole Miss on Oct. 1, and although the Wildcats fell 22-19, Rodriguez enjoyed a good day, taking 19 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown.

With Rodriguez’s return came the feeling of having to get used to being hit by opposing players for the first time since playing Iowa in last year’s Citrus Bowl. The senior on Tuesday humorously shared his reaction to being hit for the first time against the Rebels, while noting that in practice, the team uses Guardian helmet covers—which don’t quite lend themselves to the same effect.

“That first hit, I was like, ‘God bless’. Like I forgot what it felt like to get hit,” he said. “As a running back and my play style, I was like, ‘I like it.’ I couldn’t wait to feel that again.”

Rodriguez will be right back out there on Saturday as the No. 13 Wildcats take on South Carolina at Kroger Field.

Chris Rodriguez, Jr. (@CROD_JR) talks about what it was like getting hit for the first time this season on Saturday ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9PULhdlFc0

— BBN Tonight (@BBNTonight) October 4, 2022

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.