[GoRU]

'09 AR DE Anthony Rogers



Weakside defensive end
North Little Rock (AR) North Little Rock

Ht: 6-foot-4
Wt: 235 lbs
Forty: 4.9 secs
Class: 2009 (High School)

WholeHogSports.com - THE RECRUITING GUY : Hogs are high on North Little Rock defensive end

The importance of central Arkansas athletes has always been noted as one of the keys for the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks’ football program. The Hogs signed three prospects from the area in February. Arkansas is now looking at North Little Rock defensive end Anthony Rogers.

1 Rogers, 6-4 / 2, 229 pounds, 4. 9 seconds in the 40-yard dash, racked up some impressive statistics for the Charging Wildcats despite only playing in five games last season. He recorded 38 unassisted tackles, 52 assisted tackles, 4 quarterback sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 2 passes broken up, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.

Rogers participated at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes combine held March 15 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. He had a very good outing with a 31-inch vertical jump, a 4. 5-second time in the pro-shuttle, and benchpressed 225 pounds 13 times. His hamstring tightened up and kept him from running the 40-yard dash.

Several high profile schools are showing interest in the talented Rogers.

“I’m getting letters from Georgia Tech, Ohio State, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas and several other colleges,” Rogers said.

Rogers plans to make an unofficial visit to Mississippi State this weekend.

“I really want to meet their faculty,” said Rogers, who reports a 325-pound bench press and squats 405 pounds, “and get to know their football coach and get the feeling of the school.”

Rogers said he and North Little Rock Coach Brad Bolding have talked about the possibility of taking a tour of colleges once the school year has ended. He said he’s excited about Arkansas ’ hiring of Coach Bobby Petrino and plans to attend an Arkansas camp during the summer.

Rogers said his ability along with a strong work ethic and the love of football are what makes him so productive on the field.

“On defense, I like to use my power and speed because I think those are my best attributes,” Rogers said. “I’m hard working and very enthusiastic. I just love playing football. I’ve been playing ever since little league.”

Bolding said Rogers can dominate a game and showed determination by playing after preseason surgery.

“Anthony is a big kid, dominant player, very strong,” Bolding said. “He runs well. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with at defensive end. He broke his hand and had to have surgery before the season. He actually played four games with a full cast all the way up past his elbow.” Character is another asset of Rogers, according to Bolding. “He’s great kid, too,” Bolding said. “His mother is a just a great lady. He’s a ‘yes sir’, ‘no sir’, kid, makes good grades. He’s a joy to coach.”

ESPN

You can not accuse Rogers of not looking the part. Physically he is a good looking defensive end prospect. Possesses good size and the frame to continue to fill out. He also looks on film to have a nice wingspan. He plays from a "two" and "three" point stance. He looks much more comfortable standing and does not get into a great stance when his hand is on the ground. Displays good quickness off the ball. He is a physical kid at the point of attack and displays good strength. He will flash the ability to use his reach to his advantage and bring his hands and separate from a blocker. While he was evaluated some wearing a cast he still needs to be more consistent with his hands. He runs well and displays good speed. Hustles to the ball and takes good angles in pursuit. He needs to improve his pad level and play lower. Has adequate short-area change-of-direction skills. He is a solid tackler. As a pass rusher he has the quickness to cause some problems. Can get to the up-field shoulder and "run the hop". Needs to use his wingspan to his advantage and develop pass rush moves. Rogers is a prospect who displays upside. Has the size to play end or possibly tackle also displays the ability to be able to fit into a 3-4 of 4-3 scheme. Still a bit raw, but good prospect that could develop into a good college defender.

Rivals $

4/18

Miss. St. verbal.