Granada Hills’ Rodriguez Puts Passes on Hold

The improvement of Anthony Rodriguez, all 5 feet 10, 150 pounds of him, can be measured in chunks of yardage.

The Granada Hills High junior leads the region with 349 yards receiving, averaging 24.9 yards on 14 receptions.

“He’s really come on for us,” co-Coach Tom Harp said. “He’s a pleasant surprise.”

Rodriguez was merely one of many inexperienced receivers alternating during summer passing league competition. He missed a few workouts because he was involved in a junior lifeguard program.

Now he’s saving the Highlanders from drowning in a sea of dropped passes. Granada Hills dropped seven in a 23-21 loss to Royal two weeks ago.

Rodriguez, whom teammates call Joey, is the fastest Granada Hills player and most sure-handed.

“He’s gone up and stolen balls from defensive backs,” Harp said. “He’s done a great job.”