Rozier says he's coming to Tennessee

Quarterback Mike Rozier will begin his football career anew at Tennessee this fall.

The former pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization told UT coaches that he will enroll for the first session of summer school in June after visiting practice on Thursday.

“I committed yesterday,” the 6-foot-5, 245-pound Rozier said Friday. “I told them I was coming there. It was between them and South Carolina.

“I’m a pure pocket passer. They have a pro-style offense, and I think it fitted me well.”

The former standout at Henry County High School in Stockbridge, Ga., signed with North Carolina in February of 2004. However, Rozier was drafted in the 12th round of the 2004 draft by the Red Sox in June and agent Scott Boras negotiated a $1.5 million signing bonus to sway him from football.

Rozier, 23, chose UT over South Carolina. He will be considered a walk-on although the Red Sox are contractually obligated to pay for his scholarship. He will have four years of eligibility.

The left-hander’s minor league career lasted from 2005 to 2008. He made it to Class AA Portland in 2006, but pitched only 30 innings last season between Class A Greenville and in the Gulf Coast League.

Once Rozier showed up on UT’s campus, he was quickly impressed with UT’s coaches and their fast-paced practice. Head coach Lane Kiffin’s pro-style offense also played a part.

“They’re busting your butt but it was a fun environment,” Rozier said. “I thought the offense fitted me better than South Carolina.”

Rozier said the opportunity to play quickly was an important factor in his decision.

“You can tell they don’t have that many quarterbacks,” Rozier said. “They (UT’s coaches) just said it would depend on how I picked up the offense and how I did. It’s pretty much on how I do.”

UT has three scholarship quarterbacks on its roster: senior Jonathan Crompton, junior Nick Stephens and sophomore B.J. Coleman.

Rozier believes he has the ability to play quarterback at UT. Fundamentals are another issue.

“My arm strength and throwing is still there,” Rozier said. “I’ve been working on my footwork and my mechanics.”

Rozier was released by the Red Sox earlier this month and still finds it a bit odd that he’ll be playing football again.

“It is kind of weird,” he said. “After I signed with baseball, I didn’t think I would ever be going back to football. But things happen for a reason.

Rozier must have felt like a prospect all over again as he watched UT’s practice closely from the sidelines on Thursday.

“It was great,” Rozier said. “Practice was a lot of fun, a lot of enthusiasm. The whole day was really fun. They made it fun for me. Love the campus. Being around the coaches, it was a great experience.”

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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