Rogan feeling orange

This week some of his teammates wish they were wearing orange, too.

Like Sevier County's Corey Watson, a cornerback with the Tennessee All-Stars, which face Kentucky's all-star team Friday in Lexington, Ky.

Watson, a Tennessee Tech signee, is on defense, which means his practice jersey is white.

And even though practice is limited contact, Watson isn't exactly fond of chasing down Rogan.

"Oh gosh," Watson said. "I don't like it too much. Friday night we'll be on the same team. That's what I like about it."

Watson and the rest of Tennessee's defense got a break from chasing Rogan on Tuesday. The Class 3A Mr. Football finalist from Fulton watched from the backfield for most of Tuesday's practices after a teammate's helmet hit his right knee on Monday.

He is expected to practice today.

Even without Rogan, there's still Alcoa standout and Carson-Newman signee Chris Shiverdecker lurking in the backfield.

Combined, the two players rushed for more than 4,700 yards and 76 touchdowns last season and guided their teams to state championships.

Rogan, who could play running back or defensive back at UT, says he wants to keep the ball in his hands, although he'll play wherever he's needed.

"They haven't really told me anything lately," Rogan said after Tuesday's practice. "My heart's at running back. But if I can get on the field earlier playing corner — like a lot of things I'm hearing — I'll do that. But I really want to play running back."

Rogan, who said he doesn't foresee any problems becoming eligible this season, plans on enrolling for the second session of summer classes that begin July 9.

At least 20 members of UT's signing class are on campus, including five who enrolled in January.

Rogan will still get a month or so of voluntary workouts before fall camp begins, but right now the focus is on having fun.

"They're working out on their own; I'm working out on my own," Rogan said. "The only difference is that I get to come out here and play in the All-Star Game and enjoy my time off.

"I really just wanted to play. Just to have fun and meet new people. I thought it would be a good jump on friendships."

Some of those new friends will be joining Rogan on campus this fall.

Austin-East receiver Anthony Anderson, who will also enroll in the second session, and walk-on linebacker/fullback Shane Reveiz are on the Tennessee team.

So is defensive lineman Cory Hall, who is expected to attend junior college before coming to UT.

Watson is enjoying the friendships, too.

"I'm really looking forward to watching these guys progress in college and see who goes on to the NFL," he said. "All these guys are great, they're a blast."

Especially when they're wearing the same color jersey.

Drew Edwards may be reached at 865-342-6274.