Zach Rogers still weighing recruiting options

Zach Rogers still has plenty more to see before he makes his college decision.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound receiver from David Lipscomb High School in Nashville currently holds offers from 10 schools, including Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

Rogers visited UT earlier this spring to spend time with his brother, receiver Austin Rogers, and get to know the Vols' new offensive coaches.

Zach Rogers said he has been impressed by his conversations with offensive coordinator Dave Clawson and receivers coach Latrell Scott. Rogers said he still wants to see how well they handle things on the field.

"They know how to handle the game," Rogers said. "We'll see how they handle the big aspect at Tennessee, the big Division I level, the SEC. I think they can handle it. I really do."

Austin Rogers will be a good source of information on how Scott coaches. Zach Rogers said he will rely on his brother to know what it's like to play for Scott.

"He's going to tell me how it goes," Zach Rogers said. "I told him to help me with that to see how (Scott) is. He's a great guy, too, a great coach."

Rogers also has been in contact with former UT receivers coach Trooper Taylor, now Oklahoma State's co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach.

Rogers said he developed a good relationship with Taylor during his time at UT, which has carried over to recruiting.

"I love Troop," Rogers said. "I got to know him real well the two years he coached Austin. We've bonded up there together."

Rogers said he saw how Taylor was able to turn his receivers into better players and better people.

"He wants to see you succeed on and off the field," Rogers said. "Academics are a big thing with him.

"He's one of those guys you always want to be around. He puts a smile on your face and makes you feel good about yourself."

Rogers said he's been able to handle the pressure of recruiting because he saw his brother deal with it.

The elder Rogers committed to UT in September of his senior year of high school.

Zach Rogers said he plans to follow a similar path and commit to a school before his senior year or early into it.

"I want to get it off my shoulders so I can enjoy my senior year with my teammates," he said. "It would take the weight off my shoulders."

Zach Rogers said he would like to play at the same school as his brother, but said it won't be an ultimate factor.

"It would be great to play with him for a year," Zach Rogers said. "We've never gotten to do that.

"I still have to do what's best for me and not just think about playing with my brother for one year because then he's gone. Past that year is what I'm looking at."

Rogers said he's only visited UT and Vanderbilt this spring. He said he plans to take more visits this summer but hasn't made any definite plans.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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