Justin Rogers (Jeff Houchin Photo)
Two years ago Justin Rogers was the highest-rated recruit Mark Stoops had signed at Kentucky and signaled a significant breakthrough in Kentucky football recruiting. The Michigan lineman verbally committed to Kentucky early and didn’t change his mind despite pushes from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and others to get him to flip his commitment.
But in 2020 Rogers was not a dominant player for Kentucky. He had to play behind Quinton Bohanna, who is now with the Dallas Cowboys, and Marquan McCall, who is positioned to be UK’s rock in the middle of the defense this year.
Other linemen in Rogers’ signing class — Josaih Hayes and Octavious Oxendine — got more significant playing time in 2020 than Rogers did. However, defensive coordinator Brad White certainly sounded optimistic at UK’s Media Day about Rogers.
White said McCall has “solidified” his spot but cannot play 70 snaps per game.
“You have got to rotate (players) and not fall off,” White said. “The big thing about Justin and Josh is that they kind of missed out with the COVID year and freshmen defensive linemen need a full year to trim high school baby fat and get strong in the weight room.
“You cannot just overpower people. You have got to be strong, physical but also able to flip your hips.”
White said Rogers has started to “loosen up his hips” and has always been physically strong enough to compete in the Southeastern Conference.
“He had to loosen his hips and get more flexible. He has done that,” White said. “I am looking forward to that freshman class coming in, too. We have got (plenty of) bodies but we need guys to elevate. It’s not what you did in high school but what you can do in college now.”
One Response
It seems that UK has the bodies now. I predict Rogers will be a force on the defense in 2021. The talent level at UK, on both offense and defense, is remarkable to see. UK seems to be rising.