Rogers is close to decision; Nunes helping recruit for Vols

By Dave Hooker

Originally published 11:01 p.m., July 23, 2008
Updated 11:01 p.m., July 23, 2008

Despite persistent rumors to the contrary Wednesday, Zach Rogers has not committed to Tennessee.

The wide receiver from David Lipscomb High School said he expects to make his decision possibly as soon as this weekend.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder has long been thought to be leaning toward UT, if not already silently committed. Rogers older brother, Austin Rogers, is a junior receiver at UT.

Zach Rogers ranks as the News Sentinel's fifth-best prospect in the state.

In April, Rogers posted a camp-best 4.47-second time in the 40-yard dash in the Nike camp in Athens, Ga., which uses stringent laser timing. On a handheld stopwatch, Rogers has run 40 yards in less than 4.4 seconds.

Rogers has offers from Vanderbilt, Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas Tech, Duke and Oklahoma State.

New Recruiter: Tennessee commitment Josh Nunes said he's doing his best to give UT's football recruiting a boost.

The quarterback from Upland (Calif.) High School said he's called Rogers, Memphis receiver Marlon Brown and athlete Logan Thomas from Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Va., to tell them of the virtues of being a Volunteer.

"Hopefully I can help a lot," Nunes said. "I think we have things rolling right now. We have a lot of momentum right now, especially on the offensive side of the ball."

Nunes said he's also informing UT coaches of some prospects in California who might be willing to consider UT.

"A lot of guys are loving Tennessee right now," Nunes said.