Justin

Rogers

Rogers (6'3/330) was a four-star DT and the top player from Michigan in the 2020 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. His recruiting rating was largely based on his early physical maturation, but he never quite lived up to the billing at Kentucky, before finding success on a more scheme-friendly Auburn defense. Rogers is a stout one tech who is adept at taking up blockers, especially against the run. Whether it’s a duo or zone concept, he is able to occupy multiple gaps by either threatening to split blockers or bouncing between the two laterally. Rogers struggles to disengage with blockers, but makes up for it by being able to anchor effectively. An average get-off and pitiful 1.18 RAS underlie his poor pursuit, though not for lack of effort. With a frame that has already reached peak development, it is not likely Rogers has any upside rushing the passer. His best role at the next level is probably on early downs to eat up blockers for linebackers on the second wave of defensive linemen.

Rogers (6'3/311) is one of the top interior lineman recruits of the 2020 cycle with consideration coming from Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Clemson, and others. The five-star is Michigan’s No. 1 recruit, but Rogers seemed destined for the SEC all along. On 247Sports’ composite board, Rodgers is the No. 30 overall prospect in the class so Kentucky will do well to keep his commitment.

“Wow... Just had an amazing conversation with Coach Saban. I officially have a new top 6. Roll Tide!!,” Rogers tweeted on Wednesday evening. The 6-foot-3, 311-pounder had released a top-five list sans Alabama just hours ago. Looks like Michigan, Georgia, LSU, Kentucky and Tennessee will have to sweat out the Crimson Tide machine when Rogers makes his pledge on May 20. Georgia will host the Oak Park, Michigan, native on an official visit in two weekends as they look to make their last, best case to land the four-star guard. On the 247Sports composite board, Rogers ranks as the No. 30 overall prospect in the 2020 class.

Rogers (6'3/311) will take a pivotal official visit to Georgia on May 17, just days before he makes his announcement. He has already put in officials to both Kentucky and Tennessee. Ohio State is another big contender to watch in this race. Depending on how his future school wants to utilize his talents, Rogers could potentially play on either the offensive or defensive side of the ball. He has experience at both defensive end and linebacker. On the 247Sports composite board, the Oak Park, Michigan, native ranks as the No. 30 overall prospect in the 2020 class.

Some were expecting it to be Ohio State commit Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr, but Rogers performance at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge sealed the deal. The one question Rivals has about Rogers is what position he will play in college. They explained, “In high school he lines up at right tackle and many college coaches are telling him he could play there at the next level. While he has the foot speed and agility to play on the edge, his 6-foot-3 lacks the length most tackles possess.” Rogers is still uncommitted but is reportedly down to Ohio State and Georgia.

Rogers (6'3/311) told 247Sports.com in the spring that Ohio State and Georgia were his top two schools. While the Buckeyes and Bulldogs were once again mentioned, he also spoke positively of USC and Tennessee. It’s worth noting that QB Dwan Mathis, Rogers’ high school teammate, has already committed to Ohio State in the 2019 class. While Rogers plans to trim his top-13 in mid-September, he does not plan on committing until National Signing Day in February.

Rogers (6'3/314) even doubled down on his decision not to include any Michigan programs in his list, saying, “Definitely my future is outside (the state).” As for who actually is in contention for the Oak Park native, Ohio State, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Florida and USC were among the outfits that made the cut. Of course, plans can shift rapidly in cases like his. Rogers still has to go through both his junior and senior seasons of high school ball before he’s actually eligible to sign with a program.