#32 Bernardo Rodriguez

Redshirt Sophomore | 5-10 | 193 lbs. | Coppell, Texas

Courtesy Kansas State Athletics

• Position: Running Back / Punter
• Previous College: None
• Projection: Special Teams
• Status: Preferred Walk-On

Bernardo Rodriguez Palacios (b. July 6, 1998) is a walk-on punter-turned-running back who was born in Mexico City and is majoring in business administration.

Rodriguez punted one time for 31 yards for the White team in the 2018 spring game. He punted in four games during the 2018 season, carding a 36.5-yard average on eight punts.

Rodriguez had two of his three punts land inside the Mississippi State 20-yard line. He booted a season-long punt of 45 yards against the Bulldogs and also against Texas.

For whatever reason, though, be it injury or inconsistency, Rodriguez’s playing time tailed off sharply later in the season as he gave way to punters Devin Anctil and Andrew Hicks.

Rodriguez, who redshirted in 2017, played under head coach Mike Dewitt at Coppell High School in Texas, where he was a two-time all-district honoree, including his senior year, in which he was the District 9-6A Special Teams Player of the Year.

He punted 83 times in his high school career for a 32.4-yard average, with 13 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, and did not allow a single return yard in his 38 punts as a senior.

Rodriguez also recorded 235 rushing yards on 38 attempts during his career and returned six kickoffs for 250 yards during his senior season, including a 100-yard touchdown. The arrival of a new coach in Manhattan opened the door for him to resume being a halfback.

Rodriguez helped the Cowboys to earn a 10-3 record and a bi-district championship, and also participated in track and field. Here’s what Chris Sailer Kicking had to say about him:

Bernardo is a very good high school punter (who) shows potential to be great. A good looking athlete with a strong leg. Hits a nice ball at times. As he continues to work on his technique and consistency, he will challenge at the college level. I look forward to seeing his development. ... Nice prospect.