Richard Rodriguez would be the first to tell you he has come a very long way in his two seasons at Iowa Central.

So much so that the former Spencer High School standout is now headed to the FBS level of college football, committing to Temple University. 

Rodriguez, a returning first team All-American, made the announcement via social media on Tuesday. He is a 6-foot-5, 315-pound guard who will fill an immediate need with the Owls.

"I want to thank God for blessing me with a second chance with football," Rodriguez posted on Twitter. "After (my) senior year I really thought it was over for me but thankfully enough I had Iowa Central recruit me to a life changing decision.

"My family supported me and Iowa Central gave me the opportunity to (do) something bigger.

"Two years ago if you would've told me I'd be here today I wouldn't believe you. I want to thank Iowa Central coaches and teammates for always pushing me and believing that Midwest Iowa kid to get the job done."

Rodriguez becomes the latest Triton to move on to the Div. I ranks, joining fellow current linemen Jakob Bradford, who has committed to Syracuse, and Anthony Berry, who is headed to UNLV.

"I've accomplished a lot in JUCO and it has started the opportunity to chase a dream," he said. "I'm not the same person I was two years ago and I can gladly say change was for the better. Thank you to anyone that has been a part of this journey. 

"It hasn't been easy and it's been a long time but after graduating Iowa Central and getting right, allow me to reintroduce myself as a Temple University commit."

-By Dana Becker