Asphalt turf helps make Rogan dynamo for Fulton

Sort of.

The Fulton High School running back grew up playing football on concrete lots, taking his success there all the way through high school.

By the end of his four years as a Falcon, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound standout had in his possession: three Class 3A state championships, two Mr. Football finalist awards, the school's all-time rushing record, the state's single-season points record and University of Tennessee football scholarship papers, which he will sign in early February.

Now, he can add PrepXtra Offensive Player of the Year to his scroll of achievements.

Rogan, who rushed for 2,668 yards and 42 touchdowns this season, can't wait to officially become a Vol.

"I'm very anxious," he said. "Everybody I talk to says like, 'I bet you can't wait to go up there and play?' I say, 'Yeah.' And they say, 'What are you going to be playing?' I say, 'Running back.'

"And they're like, 'Aren't you a little too small to play running back?' I'm like, 'No.' "

Parking lots and streets never had height or weight requirements for Rogan. They always allowed him and his friends to play a game of football on their surfaces before and after school - but not without issuing a slew of bumps and bruises.

"You get a lot of what they call 'cherry burns' or 'strawberries,'" Rogan said. "But I think it gives you a little more heart. You get some scrapes and bumps in games now and you don't even notice it."

From parking lot lines to goal lines, Rogan became one of the most feared backs in the state. He rushed for more than 200 yards in the state semifinals and championship. The latter performance earned him the BlueCross Bowl Offensive MVP.

Credited his work ethic for finishing the season strong.

"I don't know where I get it. It could be raining outside and I could feel like going on a run," he said. "It's like, nothing can stop me from doing it."

That drive once got him - temporarily - in the Buck Coatney's doghouse, where a chastising from the Falcons' head coach can deliver a punishing blow just as hard as any asphalt surface could.

Rogan wasn't there long.

"The only time Dennis Rogan was in trouble with me was this preseason," Coatney said. "He missed our first few scrimmages because he had a twisted ankle. He was supposed to be in the training room after practice one night, and I couldn't find him.

"I was kind of upset with him. When I found him, he was out in the dark, running stadiums. Supposed to be the training room getting treatment, he's out running stadiums. That's the kind of kid he is."

Three years ago Rogan's cousin Demarcus Stevens, also a Fulton standout, had similar credentials: two-time Mr. Football finalist, PrepXtra Defensive Player of the Year and a scholarship to UT.

He never signed the deal. Academic issues. But he has served as a mentor to his relative.

"First of all, he always told me to try hard in school," said Rogan, "that some days you don't feel like going and trying hard at certain things, but you have to. You have to stay on top of it (grades), no matter what."

Rogan did. He's expected to be admitted into Tennessee without a problem. And he wants to finish what Stevens started.

"I think I have a great career ahead of me," Rogan said. "All I have to do is keep working and don't let nothing slow me down or stop me."

If concrete can't, nothing will.

Jesse Smithey covers high school sports. He may be reached at 865-342-6290.