On Tuesday, 3-star defensive end Casey Rogers became the 16th commit to join Nebraska’s 2018 recruiting class. The Avon Old Farms prep school standout adds another defensive end to the class as the Huskers continue to reshape things under Scott Frost. Here are my five thoughts on the addition of Rogers to the Huskers class.
Getting Better in the Trenches
The addition of Rogers gives Nebraska a second defensive end in the class to go along with Tate Wildeman. Since Frost took over, it seemed like getting a second defensive end was a priority and Rogers became a priority target. The best teams in college football come at you in waves on the defensive line and Nebraska took a step closer to that.
The Power of the Frost Era
There is a real buzz and excitement around the program since the moment it was announced that Frost would be the next head coach that we can all feel but have a hard time explaining. I’ve wondered if that would be easily translated to recruits but Rogers told me after his visit that “I think Coach Frost has the ability to coach this team to a national championship in the next couple of years.” That’s a clear signal that recruits are feeling the buzz.
Closing Ability on Display
Frost, defensive coordinator Erik Chinander and defensive line coach Mike Dawson all worked hard but quickly on Rogers’ recruitment. Rogers got his offer from Nebraska on Dec. 27, took an official visit Jan. 12 and committed Jan. 16. The staff had to connect quickly then close on a top target that they see as a great fit in their defense.
Big Time Potential
Rogers has a great frame (6-5, 250) and will be a player that Zach Duval surely looks to add weight to in order to get him ready to play in the Big Ten. What I’m also interested in is that Rogers was a standout lacrosse player in high school and that was his dominant sport before concentrating on football. Lacrosse players typically have good feet so how will that translate to his football career at Nebraska?
Another Culture Changer
In Rogers, Nebraska isn’t just getting a player completely sold on the idea of playing for Frost but someone who is “All N” on the Big Red Revival. He joins a group of players in this class like Will Honas, Deontai Williams, Greg Bell, Tate Wildeman, Cam Jurgens and Adrian Martinez to name a few that are embracing the challenge of being the group that helps to get Nebraska to what it used to be. There will be no worries about buy in from Rogers.
I’m beyond excited to announce that I have committed to The University of Nebraska! Thanks to everyone who has supported me! Go Big Red! #GBR pic.twitter.com/NDxdEqe07e
— Casey Rogers (@caseyrogers99) January 17, 2018
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
