Now is the time for five-star recruit Justin Rogers to step up for UK defense

Justin Rogers needs to make a push for more playing time this season. (Twitter Photo)

Justin Rogers was a five-star signee out of Michigan and a top 10 national prospect according to Rivals.com who was ranked as the best prep player in Michigan in his recruiting class. He was the highest rated signee for coach Mark Stoops at Kentucky and was expected to be a dominant defensive lineman but last year he had just nine tackles in seven games. He did have a tackle for loss against South Carolina and three tackles against Alabama.

So is it good or bad that Rogers did not play a significant role for Kentucky last year?

“It is both,” Kentucky defensive line coach Anwar Stewart said.

How so?

“The good thing about it is we had Quinton Bohanna and Marquan McCall who were the anchors to our defense. Now Justin’s time is coming up,” Stewart said. “Marquan is going to be the guy and Justin and Josaih (Hayes) are going to be the guys who have to step up (behind him).

“We are excited about where we are and where we are going. Those guys just have to keep coming along. We are excited about where we are with both of them.”

Did Rogers think it would take this long for him to get significant playing time?

“He was a freshman last year. He is an 18 or 19-year-old kid trying to play SEC football and it’s tough,” Steward said. “I know everybody talks about (recruiting) stars but stars don’t mean anything. Stars have to come out and earn their keep.

“I tell you what, Josaih is going to push him. He looks really good and is a strong kid. He is moving really well. I am excited about these two young guys stepping up and seeing where we can get these guys this year.”

Stewart said recruit star rankings are important but not a perfect indicator of collegiate success.

“I think any kid can be good. It depends on their work ethic and how much they want it. The want-to part of it is not on me. It’s on him and about him coming early, leaving late, and always doing more than expected,” Stewart said.

“You look at a lot of these five-star guys and you don’t hear from them when they get in college. A lot of these three- and four-star guys will come in and work their butt off. Nothing is promised. Everything is earned. Justin has to earn the right to get on the field and play, and he understands that. Same with Josaih.”