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.”
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
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Comments » 107
LEXKYVOLS writes:
Should we be excited?
1stPoliceJustSayNoToPosting1st writes:
WOW, bench Crompton NOW!
1stPoliceJustSayNoToPosting1st writes:
j/k, I guess it comes done to his physical abilities, he have pretty much the same amount of time to pick up CLK's offense as the other guys. Question, what is his eligibility?
I hope this doesn't hurt our chances for a top 2010 QB, aka Jake Heaps.......
1stPoliceJustSayNoToPosting1st writes:
... comes "down" to his....
DonJuan writes:
Thank goodness. Another option at QB can only be a good thing.
DonJuan writes:
After watching practice, he is probably confident he can come in and take the starting job.
vol4gzus writes:
congratulations! They are in order because you were able to grasp 3 of the first four posts on this article. You need to POLICE yourself and restrain thyself.
On topic,he has been away from futbol since 2004 right? We have nothing to lose since Red Sox are obligated to pay for his schoolin'. Has the size in stature that Coach Kiffin is looking for and must have been in a pro style offense back in Georgia in high school. Help me here men what was his high school offense like? thanks
brad2235951 writes:
Theres a new article on volquest about Jake Heaps, anyone know whats its about?
JDE984 writes:
I just hope he's not another Kelly Washington
mattfriedman58#226364 writes:
I hope we don't end up with another Kelley Washington on our hands... don't need that kind of ego floating around the locker room.
LEXKYVOLS writes:
Rivals.com rank him a 5.3 player coming out of highschool. which means he is a "Division I prospect; considered a mid-major prospect; deemed to have limited pro potential but definite Division I prospect; may be more of a role player"
101st_AIRBORNE_VOL (Inactive) writes:
Rozier was rated as only a 2 star by rivals in '04. Don't know if I can get too excited. Then again, maybe he's really matured and we could have a Chris Weinke on our hands...
JDE984 writes:
I guess I should clarify:
Talent - yes.
Attitude - no.
MidTennVol writes:
IMO, the damage Kelly Washington did to the team and locker room far outweighed any talent he brought to UT.
I agree with others. A guy like that is poison, even if his talent is on par with T.O.
DANVOL1 writes:
ANYONE GOT VOLQUEST? IF SO PLEASE POST THE JAKE HEAPS ARTICLE. THANKS!
scott_m99 writes:
Thats a lot better than the 1 Star group we have here now. I guess those stars that were beside Crompton's name when he came out of HS were meaningless.
Run91 writes:
He's a lefty?
Basketball_Jones writes:
One thing many people haven't touched on is this guy is a man now. In 2004 he was a kid trying to make it. He's had professional trainers with the Red Sox and knows what hard work is....He 24, he's a man
GREATVOLSAFIRE writes:
Can't lose here it doesn't cost us anything and we get another QB! GO VOLS!!!!
Kiffin_fan writes:
This is all I can find so far. I will keep looking.
http://www.soxprospects.com/players/r...
Basketball_Jones writes:
It says he is seriously considering Bama, which suprises me since they have already gotten 2 of next years Top 25 QB's...Both named Sims
bleedorange4life writes:
Here is the latest article I could find on him.....
Rivals250 quarterback Jake Heaps out of Skyline High School in Washington has numerous college options to continue his career, and one of the programs he is seriously considering is the University of Alabama.
Although no visit is planned in the near future, Heaps, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, had plenty of good things to say about the Tide program.
"Alabama is one of my top 10 schools, and I think very highly of their program. Coach Saban does a great job there as he has everywhere he has ever coached," said Heaps. "I like the fact they run more of a pro-style offense and the level of play is very high there. They have a great staff and a terrific, passionate fan base. There isn't much to dislike about Alabama.
"Out of my top 10 schools, five are SEC programs and that is because it is big-time football. Alabama is definitely a big time program with a lot going for them. I have a great relationship with Coach (Jim) McElwain and Coach Saban and I like to talk to all of the staffs from the schools that recruit me pretty regularly. I like to have fun with those guys."
Heaps identified his top 10, in no particular order, as Alabama, BYU, Cal, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Washington and Oklahoma.
"I could fit in down south just as well as I could in the PAC-10. The level of football is very high and I think I would fit in well," said Heaps. "I hope to have a decision by June. I can't say who is recruiting me harder, because once I named my top 10 I thought some teams would sort of pull away and recruit me harder, but all of those schools have picked it up.
"I am thankful to have each offer. Miami was the latest school to offer me, and they are a big-time program too. I was excited to get it just like I was excited to get the rest of them."
Heaps feels a few key attributes has helped distinguish himself among the national crop at quarterback.
"I am 28-0 as a starter with two state championships and I don't like to lose. I have a great understanding of the game and love to study film and dissect the opponent's defense," said Heaps. "I also feel like I am a good field general with lead by example during games."
Basketball_Jones writes:
“I have a tremendous amount of interest in the Tennessee Football Program,” Heaps said. “I truly enjoyed my unofficial visit there last month. It was a great trip and I thought everything at Tennessee was awesome.”
“I was very impressed with Coach Kiffin and his entire coaching staff,” Heaps said. “I keep in touch with their coaching staff a lot. Their offense is very quarterback friendly. I was truly impressed with the sincerity of their entire staff. Coach Kiffin really cares about you as a person and not just a football player.”
“I grew up watching Coach Kiffin and Coach (Ed) Orgeron coaching at USC and what they accomplished there,” Heaps said. “Coach Monte Kiffin is one of the all time great coaches in the NFL. It's amazing the staff they have put together at Tennessee. I truly believe in this coaching staff, they are going to accomplish great things in Knoxville.”
“The quality of people in Tennessee was amazing,” Heaps explained. “It's a great family environment. I loved the facilities there and their stadium is unbelievable. It's impressive they are still working on improving everything, it shows the commitment they for their football program there.”
It's easy to see why Heaps of Skyline High School in Issaquah Washington is Scout.com's No.1 rated quarterback in the country.
If you're not impressed by his accomplishments and stats for the last two years, then take a look at his impressive offer sheet that includes official scholarship offers from over 25 of the top football programs in the country. Heaps led his team to an undefeated season his sophomore season and state championship and for the last two years has completed 405-648 (.625) for 6104 yards and 69 TD's, 11 Int's, 21 Rushing TD's.
“To be rated the No.1 quarterback in the country and to have the offers I have is incredible,” Heaps said. “It's really a tremendous honor for me. This whole process has been so surreal. I worked so hard and it's paying off. I plan on carrying my work ethic the next level, this is the only the first step of my career.”
Heaps recently narrowed his list to a Top 10 and the Volunteers made the cut. Will Tennessee manage to make the cut in a couple of weeks when the five star quarterback narrows the list to five?
Tennessee has a great chance to make that cut,” Heaps said. “They are recruiting me as hard as anyone, they definitely made a lasting impression on me on my visit and how they are recruiting me. We will have to wait and see. I will probably cut my list down to five in the next couple of weeks.”
Volunatic writes:
Or "The Solution", for that matter.
ctownvol writes:
Since he never enrolled and played in college he would have 4 years of eligibility beginning this fall if he enrolls this summer.
tree_em_smokey writes:
Never the less he's 6'5 if he can't throw the ball maybe he can catch it. GO VOLS!!
3ballvol writes:
Why K . W. made some pretty dang big plays !
ctownvol writes:
He CAN sling it and the fact that he is 23 would seem to make him a little wiser about things than a 17 year old coming right out of high school. Especially having already played professional baseball. Maybe he comes in and blows the "competition" away and becomes a stud quarterback or maybe he comes in and falls flat on his face. Either way it doesn't cost UT a penny, and maybe he pushes the other 3 to up their game. We'll just have to wait and see.
GREATVOLSAFIRE writes:
BOOK IT Heaps will be a VOL!!!!
ivyvol writes:
Heaps said five of his top ten are SEC schools. Is this kid another one not playing with a full deck or does he believe FSU is an SEC school? Suppose it's quite possible they told him that at FSU and he's dumb or gullible enough to believe it.
RoyaltyVol#280778 writes:
finally we get a QB
sameolvolalum writes:
'Could be another Weinke. Then again, the guy may just make it to the middle of the heap. There's nothing to lose scholarship-wise. 'Speaking of heaps----I don't think Jake Heaps is at a point of being affected by Tennessee's picking up at least one viable looking QB, being as each and every one of the other programs of interest have got to have more imposing looking QB competition than UT does. You've gotta know 'bammer's already signed some top talent. He's apparently not as interested in the western schools, including BYU. IMO UT's got at least an even chance of signing him. I believe Montana's out of the picture. Has anybody heard? Don't y'all think the Kelley Washington comparison is just a bit awry with reason? Give the young man a chance.
ivyvol writes:
If the speculation is correct that Rozier has problems as a result of a couple of line drives hitting him, is it not reasonable to wonder what kind of problems he might have when he gets the stuffing knocked out of him by SEC defenses? Apparently he has some athletic ability and his size is pretty compelling so let's up he's tough enough and pans out.
Ironcity writes:
matt were you in that locker room?
Didn't think so. All great players have an ego. Thats what drives them. I hope he has an ego and that it drives him and others to be the best they can be.
CoachFulmer writes:
is this guy gonne be a senior or a junior?
gainesville_vol writes:
It depends upon what impact getting hit by line drives had. If it was psychological (my guess), then it simply impacted his ability to pitch without fear. This should have no impact on his ability to play QB unless linebackers start throwing helmets or elbow pads at him.
On the other hand, if it is physical, he may be susceptible to concussions.
kevin151 writes:
hahahah even this guy said we don't have many quarterbacks. Sign him up
rocky_topper writes:
It's always great news to get a walk-on who is athletic. Best news I've seen all week on here.
GeneralNeylandsReturn writes:
"The Future" was the beginning of "the slide"
GREATVOLSAFIRE writes:
This will make fall practice more interesting!
rich182x writes:
I WANT JAKE HEAPS HERE NOW!!!!! THAT WILL GIVE US A FIGHTIN' CHANCE! And COACHFULMER-- shouldn't you know out of anyone if hes a JR or SR? Idiot kid... Hes eligible for 4 years.
rich182x writes:
And I think this kid is a washup, but like everyone agrees, it doesn't hurt anything with the QB's we have now. Good deal.
dvhill100 writes:
While they both came from baseball to UT football, you can't compare hiim to KW. While KW had next level talent, he was TO'ish in his mouth and the hate and discontent he strewed all over the locker room. All of these kids have ego, and that is part of what makes them DIV I players. Ego is fine so long as it is used constructively. This young man is older and seen the real world (at least as much as Pro Baseball is) and so should hopefully have a bit more maturity than the average football player.
I would worry more about his lay off affecting his skils than any attitude. I am confident any attitudes will be adjusted rapidly by this staff. They certainly didn't put up with Morley's attitude and he was a 5 * starter. He doesn't cost us a scholly as has been pointed out, and there isn't any downside from what I can see. Either he makes it and takes the starting position, doesn't make it but pushes the other 3 QB's to improve, or fails and disappears. Again, no risk since he is not on a scholarship.
richvol writes:
Getting Rozier is great...especially since we don't use up a scholarship.
Now let's get Heaps and we can really move forward.
Raynoch writes:
Why are we better off using a scholarship on this guy than Taj Boyd? If we didn't want to sign a qb this class, why are we getting him. This makes me feel like Kiffin may be rethinking his decision to get rid of Boyd.
TommyJack writes:
This guy costs us nada. A potential upside with very little downside. Will be interesting to see how he works out. May not take kindly to rolling out for 5a.m. runs.
Hudro writes:
I don't think Heaps will be scared off by a QB who hasn't played football in 5 yrs.
Raynoch writes:
Oops.. Bo Sox are paying his way. I'm in. Maybe I should read the articles before posting.
GREATVOLSAFIRE writes:
Pitchers run alot
newtonrail writes:
I hope he is--- without the attitude. But you do have to understand, like Washington, this guy's a man, not an 18-20 year old kid. Riding buses to ball games all over the country makes you grow up quick.
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