Published March 8, 2012 - 11:47am
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SDS is continually counting down the top 25 players in the SEC for 2012, and we’re not stopping until we get to No. 1.
Da’Rick Rogers – No. 19
Checking in at No. 19 on the countdown is a rising junior in Tennessee wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers. At first glance, you will notice Rogers is a specimen at receiver, more physically ready to play tackle football every day than maybe any other receiver in the SEC. At 6’3”, 215lbs, Rogers is a haul to bring down one-on-one in the open field, and he’s very hard to defend off the line of scrimmage because of his physical presence and strength.
During his freshman season in 2010, Rogers was seen mostly on end-arounds and on special teams rather than catching passes over the middle for touchdowns. He was used sparingly, but you could see a glimpse of what he really could become in the future.
Fast forward to 2011, his sophomore season. Rogers blew up with gaudy receiving numbers that would make many jealous.
Rogers caught 67 passes for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns for the Vols. He led the SEC in receptions and receiving yards, and he was second in touchdowns. Rogers became just the sixth Vol to post a 1,000-yard season. He had six games in 2011 in which he surpassed the 100-yard mark. An astounding 54 of his 67 receptions went for first downs or touchdowns (85 percent).
While there was some off-the-field concerns with Rogers and his attitude this past season and shortly after, if Tennessee can have Rogers compete and excel one more season, I think the Vol-faithful will take that.
And I know Justin Hunter is returning from injury in 2012; so, Rogers’ stats might not likely be what they were just this year because Hunter is so dynamic and will take some receptions away from Rogers. We all know there is so much upside to Rogers’ game this coming season because of the all-star cast he has around him in quarterback Tyler Bray and the aforementioned Hunter. And that doesn’t even really scratch the surface with the other young talent on campus right now.
There is a whole lot to like about Rogers’ style of game on the gridiron. All things considered, he should have a magnificent season and should have a good shot at the NFL.
ROGERS REELING IN A ONE-HAND CATCH
Funny – if the meathead had gone to UGA he’d be considered the next AJ and in the top 5 while looking to go as a first round draft pick next year. #ignorance
Funny- without going to uga he’s still going to set records at UT and be a first round draft pick. No need to be the next AJ.. Da’Rick has made a name for himself.