Speed.
It's a must for most any football player. But for the most fleet-footed, speed defines them, makes them special and opens doors that the sluggish can't budge.
Such is the case with Zach Rogers, the News Sentinel's fifth-best prospect in the state.
"I think that's definitely my strong point," the 6-foot-2, 175-pound wide receiver from David Lipscomb High School said. "I've been working on it a lot this spring. You've got to have speed to play at the D-I level. I've been blessed with some God-given talent and I just try to go from there."
So far, the work has paid off. In April, Rogers posted a camp-best 4.47-second time in the 40-yard dash in the Nike event in Athens, Ga., which uses stringent laser timing. On a handheld stopwatch, Rogers has run 40 yards in less than 4.4 seconds.
The camp time was the one that drew the most attention. Rogers had three or four offers before attending the event. Now he has 15.
"The speed thing definitely helped raise some eyebrows," Rogers said.
Rogers is considering offers from Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas Tech, Duke and Oklahoma State. He says he is leaning toward signing with an SEC school, preferably one that can win a national championship.
That's not a glowing endorsement for Oklahoma State or Duke, two schools Rogers is considering mostly because of their UT ties. Rogers was very familiar with Duke head coach David Cutcliffe and Oklahoma State co-offensive coordinator Trooper Taylor when the two were coaches at UT.
"They're great coaches; they're great guys," Rogers said. "They're going to do an excellent job."
Had Cutcliffe and Taylor remained at UT, Rogers' path to Knoxville would have been obstacle free. Now, Rogers is trying to build the same relationship with the new coaches as he had with the old.
The only thing faster than Rogers this offseason were rumors that he's secretly committed to play for UT. Some thought Rogers would make an announcement after David Lipscomb's state championship game. Others say it's just a matter of time.
"I get a lot of that," Rogers said. "I'm not saying I won't go there but I want to explore my options. Austin's not always going to be there."
Austin is Austin Rogers, Zach Rogers' older brother and, subsequently, his strongest tie to UT. Playing alongside his brother is certainly one reason to sign with UT.
That advantage, however, would be short lived. The elder Rogers is slated to be a senior in 2009, which would be Zach Rogers' first year at UT.
One year to play together isn't alone a reason to pick a school where you'll play four or five years, Zach Rogers said. And besides, the Rogers brothers will be brothers even if they don't play together in college.
"We're going to have each others' back no matter what," Zach Rogers said.
Zach Rogers said the two brothers have never been closer since the elder brother went off to college. The two keep in close contact via text messages and phone calls.
"People say we're twins all the time," Zach Rogers said.
Which brings us to the similarities the two brothers share. When talking to the two or watching them play football, "twins" may be an understatement.
"A lot of people say we're the exact same guy in high school," Zach Rogers said. "We look alike. We run alike. People even say we run routes alike."
The question is, will they dress alike on Saturdays in 2009?
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
UT's new $45 million football…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 139
ThaiVolFan writes:
It will be nice to have Zach on board, sounds like quality talent and quality character. Hope you join your brother for a year and fine life in Knoxville great for your college career.
Go Vols!
RockyTop writes:
I seen him play in the State Championship game and was very impressed with his abilities. I think he could help out early if he decides to come here.
utchris writes:
Marlon is 6-5, has a sick vertical and is a physical beast....i hope we get them both..i think that brown is more than hype.
givehim6 writes:
With the speed Zacn seems to have, along with this Thigpen guy from VA. both at UT, and a QB with a cannon in his arm. I see some long bombs for TD's!
bobbarbilly writes:
The Zach-Attack...in orange...coming to your local gridiron...fall of '09.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Most tall guys aren't as fast as the smaller ones. It's all about that center of gravity and getting those legs to move faster. Little guys have it better despite the drawback of a shorter stride.
Marlon will have plenty of time to have his technique honed and improve his explosiveness.
I'll take em' both with a tall glass of kool-aid... orange please, extra sugar.
gnm53108 writes:
We could use two more Receivers.Brown would be great,fill out roster with Rogers and we could pretty much cros off another possition for 09.We still have that one spot where we sure could use 2 to 4.
nicksjuzunk...I like my koolaid cold and frost brewed.
GO VOLS!
GreerVol22 writes:
it will all come down to how much playing time big brother gets this fall.
vol2211insc writes:
Looks like a quality pick up if Tennessee can get him. I could see him having the same impact that his brother has right now. They really do look like twins.
TommyJack writes:
09/01/2008 The Reveal
Bigger_Al writes:
What this article didn't mention is that Zach won the State Championship in the 100 meters. That's fast.
TommyJack writes:
UCLA
BigOrangeJeff writes:
Those worried about Brown's speed should remember that guy from Arkie that killed us for 2-3 years. I think his name was Marcus something? He wasn't that fast, but could he go get the ball! And I don't even want to start on Chris Doehring (sp?).
BOJ
richvol writes:
GreerVol22 is right...how he perceives his brother is treated will largely determine if he comes to Tennessee. It's not the only factor but it is an important one.
Austin has good skills but dropped too many balls last year. He also had a habit of lifting his feet off the ground when he catches the ball which makes him easy to bring down. If the coaches can help him in those areas he will be much more effective.
We sure could use Zach's speed and route running ability. It's more important to be in the right place than most realize and we sure have had problems getting the receiver and QB on the same page.
cmoore7 writes:
If 4.47 will leave him "five steps behind most dbs and wrs in the SEC", then why was it the CAMP BEST time at the Nike Athens camp? They probably just invited a lot of slow guys....unlikely. Think.... This guy has sharp cutting ablility and is the NEXT WES WELKER!
TommyJack writes:
With a new OC, our offense will certainly be less predictable, thus freeing up Austin Rogers.
Sure he dropped a few...also had some large catches..I belive one was in the KY thriller.
If Austin has big year, look for little bro to come. All good receivers are not 4.35 burners.
QB9VOL writes:
Nice call sjt18. DCflorida just has a woody because he thinks all Florida's players run a 3.9 timed on a sundial. It doesn't really matter how fast they are when you can't keep them on the field because their midgets. Case in point, the great Percy Harvin's ankle, heel, migraines, etc. Good luck keeping all those burners healthy!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TJ 8:41am- The Reveal!
Which curtain do you think we'll choose?
Between Aubie and Tenn for Rodgers.
volboy81#211803 writes:
come on over to Knoxville, Zack. I'd love to see you and Austin together at UT. Lipscomb is one of the best HS football programs in TN...stay with a winner in Ktown!!! Good Luck your Senior year. GO MUSTANGS!! GO VOLS!!
gohawks1 writes:
Don't bank everything on speed alone. Height is crucial to a wide receiver in D-I as well. At 6'5" Brown will be able to go up and get the ball with defenders around him. I'm not saying Rogers is short at 6'2" - just that there are several factors that make a great receiver. I'd be happy with either one (or both) of these guys.
TommyJack writes:
PD: Going with TN against UCLA. I think they are in major transition. Plus, aside from the SoCal surfer looks (now fading), Neuheisal has never particularly shined. The press likes him, but that's not enough. If I'm wrong about this game, then woe be unto us.
murrayvol writes:
DCflorida: There you go lovin' on Demps again. Have you still got that full color, lifesize, biceps bulging, cardboard cutout next to the flatscreen?
There's speed and there's football speed. Michael Irvin wasn't fast (by your standards). All he did was catch everything in his zip code with world class defenders hanging all over him.
Really fast get's you 4-5 stars on Rivals and endless props on fb websites. Really good get's you thru D-1 and to the league regardless of your 40 time.
volmattna writes:
I hope he has better hands than austin.Im sick of seeing him constantly on the feild dropping passes one after another while gerald jones sets on the bench jones is much better than any florida receiver and just as good as percy harvin but for some reason he sets behind 3 mediocre receivers I just don't understand
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
sjt18,
Granted. There are some tall fellas who can move the limbs a bit. There are a lot in fact. Stride length has a lot to do with that. I'm just showing the other side of the coin which is the fact that the power to propel yourself forward comes from those feet diggin into the ground and shorter players seem to be able to do that more. There is no doubt that they have the edge in quickness.
Maybe I'll revise my comment to say that midrange players have the best of both worlds, no?
invisiblekid writes:
No one has mentioned his weight, at 175 lbs he'll probably need to add 10-15 lbs to get stronger before we can even talk playing time. It doesn't matter how fast a players 40 time is, he has to make it off of the line of scrimmage first. And unless a player has unreal quickness in that first step like Harvin, he is going to have to fight through some hand checking.
Volgrad777 writes:
Austin dropped a few balls last year , but there was no one more clutch than him at crunch time. Need i remind everyone of a few td cathces???? I think hes one of if not the most solid reciever we have. Not the most talented but a guy who is proved and can flat out get open and run routes. He came in and got pt with some good recievers int he mix. That shows you something. I think Zach is a lock.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Posted by Ashley on July 11, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did anyone mention that Zach also won the state in long jump?
Zach is quite a bit stouter than big brother.
*****this is quite a gem, even for you Ashley. Too bad Austin was listed at the same exact height and weight 6'2" 175 lbs coming out of high school. Not sure how that qualifies as "quite a bit stouter than big brother". Austin is listed as 6'2" 185 lbs on the current roster. Please by all means keep posting as you definitely seem to know what you are talking about. LOL!!!!!!!!
ctownvol writes:
So help me clear this up...Is Zach a real UT fan or not? Sorry. Couldn't resist.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Zach, u need to war that rnge!!! if r a true Val fan
LanceR24 writes:
dc
you forgot to read the part in the article where it states, "On a handheld stopwatch, Rogers has run 40 yards in less than 4.4 seconds," so that's a 4.3 something. when you use the laser timers everyone runs slower and most schools dont have the ability to use them so all those 4.35 guys probably run in the 4.4's with the laser timing. not trying sound like a jerk just saying most guys are not as quick as it says becuase of human error.
thesavageorange writes:
sjt18 , Brown ran that awfull time on a terrible track.There were a couple of guys that were said to run sub 4.4 guys that ran very high 4.5's at that camp.Word was that most of the receivers struggled that day and Marlon had a very good second day.Browns best attribute is his athletisism.
By the way, did anyone think Meachem was a good receiver?Yeah, well his sophomore numbers couldn't touch Austin's.In fact his JR numbers can't touch Rogers Soph #'s.I am not knocking Meach, but you people need to remember that Rogers was a sophomore last yr.Just saying, take it easy.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
You said he was "quite a bit stouter", yet they are the same size, same weight. Again, not sure how that qualifies as "quite a bit stouter than big brother". Don't be getting all mad because you posted nonsense and was subsequently made to look like a moron.
I haven't decided on a final invite list for the Florida tailgate yet, but don't worry you'll probably still make the cut if only to provide some entertainment value of getting tossed in the river.
posivol writes:
say what you will,austin went over the middle from day one and made plays.would love to see his lil bro do the same.speed is speed but football smarts will get you further.good rout runners are rare and always open (go figure)
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
sure you have...keep telling stories Ashley, they are getting really interesting. Let me guess, you have a clear picture of how Austin looked in 4 years ago (keep in mind Austin was a senior to be in the summer of 2004) vs. how Zach looks currently. Were their shirts on or off or did you notice this through their t-shirts? LOL!!!!!!!!
miamiVOL writes:
By the way, did anyone think Meachem was a good receiver? Yeah, well his sophomore numbers couldn't touch Austin's. In fact his JR numbers can't touch Rogers Soph #'s.
when people post stupid shiit like this, it makes just say : WOW, JUST WOW
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
What's there left to discuss? That you posted nonsense? People already know you are a moron from your previous posts.
99gator writes:
4.47 is plenty fast enough to get the job done......especially at the college level.
i doubt emmitt smith ran a 4.47. sometimes you have to watch a kid play.
for instance, i don't know what cj spiller's 40 time is....but, no one looks faster on the field once the pads are on.
just like, i haven't seen anyone as quick as percy harvin when the pads are on and he's not even timed as the fastest gator.
a good route running wr with 4.47 speed and is 6'5 should be able to get open all day.
in addition, i know florida is pushing for mr. brown's services real hard.....so urban (and every other coach in america) saw something.
then again, we did sign steve shipp (y'all remember him)
LanceR24 writes:
99
who was steve shipp?
99gator writes:
lanceR24
steve shipp was an all everything 5* receiver who was either out of tennessee or western north carolina. florida beat out tennessee in the recruiting wars (this was sometime in around 1997, give or take a year) and thought they stole one from tennessee's backyard.
but, when shipp arrived on campus....florida's coaching staff found out he was slow as molasses and never saw the field.
thesavageorange writes:
General_Watermelon ,Then use Meachem's JR #'s.Same QB, no Randy Sanders.Remember I am not knocking Meachem, or saying Rogers will end up that type of receiver.Just that I think it's a little early for people to say Rogers is a bum.You can't put four Meachem's on the field at once, so you have to have servicable guys.Rogers has done that to this point, so I don't see why we should dog a sophomore.
My point in comparing #'s wasn't to say Rogers is a better player than Meachem, but I don't remember everybody saying things about Meach like they do Rogers when he wasn't living up to his billing.Meachem got better and so can Rogers.I know it's easy to take things out of context when reading a computer, and maybe I could have worded it differently.
Again I didn't mean to say Rogers was better than Meachem.
General, remind me of what CPF will be holding next February.
LanceR24 writes:
99
lol thats why i didnt remember him i was like 10 or 11.
TommyJack writes:
The disrespect and name calling on here is amazing.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
I guess you need a definition of the word "stout" then (which doesn't really surprise me). LOL!!!!!
BADGES0413 writes:
99 Gator,
Shipp must be our version of Slick Shelley.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
stout–
1. bulky in figure; heavily built; corpulent; thickset; fat
thesavageorange writes:
Ohh boy, Zach just go to Auburn.You will never live up to our standards.
GreerVol22 writes:
marc_ash, I hope your right. Kids are so dang sensitive and fickle about phooey like that, and playing time etc.
My philisophy is keep it real. If your good enough, you'll play, if not, there is always UT Martin.
VolGraduate writes:
austin gets one more year to prove his hands aren't made of cinder blocks on 3rd downs or it's to the back of the line on the depth chart for him
orangebloodgmc writes:
Posted by posivol on July 11, 2008 at 12:35 p.m.
"say what you will,austin went over the middle from day one and made plays.would love to see his lil bro do the same.speed is speed but football smarts will get you further.good rout runners are rare and always open"
I pretty much agree with that.
invisiblekid writes:
volmattna, don't disagree that Jones has better potential than A. Rogers and showed what he could do late in the year. Problem with your complaint though is the issue that Jones missed 5 games with an injury. No way you can justify playing a true freshman coming off an injury more than a sophomore who had been producing all year. Yeah, Rogers had some bad drops at bad times, but his overall numbers shouldn't be discounted.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.