Q&A: UT’s Da’Rick Rogers says Georgia game is ’sort of personal’
Rogers
Tennessee wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers was an AJC Super 11 selection and the No. 1 prospect in the state Georgia for the Class of 2010. He was actually committed to the Georgia Bulldogs for seven months, from June 2009 until he flipped his commitment to the Vols in January of 2010. Now a sophomore, the Calhoun resident enters Saturday’s game against Georgia in Neyland Stadium as Tennessee’s No. 1 offensive threat. He leads the Vols in receptions (27) and receiving yards (442). Rogers talked to reporters on a teleconference call on Wednesday and here’s what he had to say. . . .
Q: Can you please remind folks about how you came to sign with Tennessee after being committed to Georgia for so long?
A: “Really I just came on a visit [to Knoxville] and I fell in love with the team and the city. I just really wanted to be a part of a program that was rebuilding and that’s what really changed it for me.”
Q: Did Georgia have any hints or signs that you were going to flip on them? Did you surprise the coaches when you switched to Tennessee?
A. “I don’t know. I don’t know about the coaches. They can feel however they might have felt. It was all for me. You know, I had to go where I could be happy and I’m in a great place now. I’m happy here.”
Q: Word is the people of Calhoun were pretty upset with your decision. Has your hometown gotten over that?
A: “Oh, yeah, they’ve calmed down. At first people were just bitter because I went to a rival school. But now it’s just like, ‘we’ll cheer for Da’Rick wherever he is. We’re still Georgia fans but we’ll just be Tennessee fans, too.’
Q: Have you exchanged any tweets or Facebook messages with Bacarri Rambo this year?
A: “No, none at all.”
Q: Do you get especially fired up for playing Georgia?
A: “Most definitely. It’s sort of personal, this game is. But I’ll just be taking it like any other game. It’ll be a team effort and we’ll come out and play hard against a good team and see where it ends.”
Q: You didn’t have much of an impact in last year’s game against Georgia. What kind of improvements have you made since last year to put you in the position you are now?
A: “Mainly just with route-running and speed off the ball. College and the SEC are all about how fast it is. Once I got a hang of that and got the playbook down pat, I was just able to play fast. And then it was about who’s the better athlete.”
Q: What was playing in Sanford Stadium like for you last year?
A: “It was sort of new, being booed by the whole stadium. That was new to me. It was crazy to hear that. It didn’t really affect me. It was just a new environment, a new thing. I’m ready this year. I’ve trained a lot harder. It’ll be a good game.”
Q: How excited you going to be on Saturday?
A: “Well, of course, we’ll all be excited. But I’m going to do a good job of keeping my team levelheaded and play well. I’m going to try to be a leader and be calm for the team and not let my emotions get to me.”
Q: How has your role changed since Justin Hunter went down with the knee injury against Florida?
A: “It really hasn’t changed that much. The objective is always to catch balls and score touchdowns. The thing is, I’m the go-to guy now and I know that. I just have to make plays when the ball is thrown to me.”
Q: What’s it like playing with Tyler Bray as quarterback?
A: “To be honest, it’s pretty easy. He usually puts the ball where it needs to be, where only I can get it. It’s pretty much as simple as that.”
Q: What has made Bray such a better quarterback this season?
A: “Really just his work ethic and his composure. His composure is through the roof now. Last year he didn’t say much in the huddle. This year he’s definitely a vocal leader and keeps everything calm in the huddle. He’s really worked on his composure this year.”
Q: What are your thoughts on Georgia’s defense?
A: “Really they’re just an athletic front. They play fast. They always run to the ball. They’re great athletes and they make plays.”
Q: Do you feel like there was more talk between these two teams last year?
A: “I think so. But I’m the kind of guy, I feed off any kind of energy, whether it be a negative or a positive I flip it to a positive. So, you know, trash talking and everything, it just makes the game more intense for the fans to watch and makes it a more fun environment.”
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248 comments Add your comment
PMC
October 5th, 2011
4:34 pm
Let’s see if he can make it too the game without robbing any convenience stores before we make it personal.
P_The_Ricker
October 5th, 2011
4:34 pm
Taking the game “sort of personal.” What’s more scary? 1 player taking the game personal, or an entire team and coaching staff?
Looking forward to see if Rogers runs any crossing routes in the middle.
georgiagirl
October 5th, 2011
4:35 pm
Fabrizio,
The only punk is you, talking about 18-19 year young men. Crowell is the number 2 Running Back in the nation. Start reading the sports news, SEC Freshman of the Week three weeks in a row. This kid is from my hometown and he is a great kid, so back off. Nash paid Rodgers way out of trouble everyone knows this. Hey keep throwing rocks since you live in that BIG GLASS HOUSE.
Calhoun doesn't care
October 5th, 2011
4:37 pm
I live in Calhoun and I can tell you that the majority here could care less about this clown. I’m sure the Georgia fans here were upset because he was a top recruit but other than that no one is cheering for da’dummy. He’s not even from here anyway and he only ended up at Calhoun because he got kicked out af a private school in rome. Please don’t think that this guy is a representation of the fine teenagers that make up our community because he is definently not!
Top Row Dog
October 5th, 2011
4:39 pm
Atlanta Vol
Georgia has passed Tennessee in Bowl wins sir. UT still has sole record of most bowl losses though. UGA also has two Heisman winners UT zero.
As long as we are stating facts.
dawgfan6
October 5th, 2011
4:41 pm
He switched to Tenn because Ga wouldnt take his crappy highschool quarterback with him. He needed dude to do that homework for him…loser.
Bowl Records
October 5th, 2011
4:44 pm
A high win percentage in a program’s bowl record often indicates that the program has predominantly been invited to small-time bowls featuring inferior opponents.
Mike
October 5th, 2011
4:47 pm
Gotta love it when a recruit backs out of a months long commitment on the week before signing day, then says the game against that school is personal haha. The victim mentality for Rogers in this scenario escapes me. I do think the recruiting and college football rivalries are over hyped. Still, let’s face it. The only reason Rogers is in a UT uniform is because UGA wasn’t going to offer his QB buddy. Vandy was the only school offering him. Even Kiffin wasnt going to which is why Rogers never bit on UT before. Dooley came in, needed a splash, and offered both of them scholarships even though the QB will be lucky to see the field.
Bo
October 5th, 2011
4:48 pm
Who is the reigning Fulmer Cup champs? Oh that’s right. Jawja.
UGA Spirit
October 5th, 2011
4:49 pm
Da’Rick Da’Prick
OkieDawg
October 5th, 2011
4:52 pm
Correction: Auburn is the reigning Fulmer Cup Champs.
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2011/8/31/2396603/fulmer-cupdate-the-2011-final-board
INDawgfan
October 5th, 2011
4:54 pm
Bo, that new culture down in Athens scares you doesn’t it? Richt cleaned house and set a new standard.
Bo
October 5th, 2011
4:59 pm
UGA=Convict U. It will take a few years to clean up that culture. Fulmer Cup Champs!
my old lady is from tenn go dawgs
October 5th, 2011
5:06 pm
My belief is Crowell runs the football like he has and Georgia controlls the time of poss. easy win also blair walsh can make a clutch kick.Also this is personal inlaws in tenn. go dawgs 27-14 go dawgs
P_The_Ricker
October 5th, 2011
5:13 pm
Bo,
Does it escape you that the term “Fulmer Cup Champs” is a representation of the Univ of Tenn?
UGA: 1 arrest in 2011. For every school you advise me with less, I’ll name 10 with more.
Bo
October 5th, 2011
5:16 pm
A Florida fan came up with the name. A title that UT has NEVER won. Look it up.
Rodney King
October 5th, 2011
5:17 pm
Why can’t we all just get along?
Dirty Dawg
October 5th, 2011
5:18 pm
I too wonder how an interview with this kid allowed him to get away with saying that ‘he just decided that he liked Knoxville better than Athens’, or whatever, without asking him what role Nash Nance’s dad had played in getting him to switch, particularly if his ‘other’ boy Nash, would be included in a package deal. And further, about Da’rick’s role in kicking a plain-cloths cop in the head in a bar-room brawl. But then, that’s just me.
And even if you didn’t think it appropriate to ask those questions, or were told that if you did the ‘interview’ was over, then why wouldn’t you, at least, mention them as part of what you ultimately posted. For this kid to simply say ‘I changed my mind’ about the commitment when everybody knows, and it was widely reported at the time, what the real story was, and is…Nash Nance’s dad saw an opportunity two or three years ago when his boy was playing QB at Darlington Prep – along with the phenomenal WR from Atlanta. Da’rick – that the two of them would transfer to Calhoun, or whatever the school is called, and that he, Nance The Elder, head of some local carpet company (what else?), would move Rogers and his mom there, get (or give) her a job, and set the school up for a great season along with a potential package deal down the road for his son. Only Georgia told him they were ‘full-up’ on QBs and didn’t plan to sign anymore so they split up – Rogers to Georgia and Nance to Vandy. Then when Georgia dismissed Mettenberger and knew they had to do something, they signed the leading passer in the State from Lassiter – Huston Mason – and daddy Nance got his nose out of joint. And by the way, don’t know what happened to Nance The Younger, but he’s not listed on the (three deep) depth chart for QBs on the Tennessee Roster…
Go Dawgs
October 5th, 2011
5:26 pm
I can’t wait till the game start. I’ll be there ths Saturday to witness Dawgs’ victory and see Me’Rick gets hit by Rambo’s Big “STICK” and Vols fans gonna be “SICK”.
Bo
October 5th, 2011
5:37 pm
Rambo? This Rambo stuff makes me laugh every year. This cat has run his mouth the last 3 yrs. and other than a meaningless pick 6 in the beatdown at Neyland, I haven’t seen this guy do jack. Rambo who?
VolsRule
October 5th, 2011
5:40 pm
Enjoying the posts …….. lots of haters out there!
1. @ Lowcountry Bulldawg 4:20 post – RockCity is in the state of Georgia on Lookout Mountain.
Beautiful area of the country – you need to visit if you have not done so.
Only the tip of Lookout Mountain is in Tennessee.
2. UGA and Tennessee kind of in the same boat – both rebuilding.
Like UGA’s defense this year. UGA is a little deeper.
Vols might be still a little young to win Saturday – we will give it the old college try.
3. Both schools hate Florida – at least we have something in common.
Restore UGA
October 5th, 2011
5:44 pm
Aron White on Tennessee and not liking their dog and colors lol, he doesn’t know what it is. it’s not a BullDawg! He doesn’t like it. lol, Man, Aron is at the top of my favorit Dawg Player list now. He looks and sounds a little like Tony Gonzalez.
I hope he has a great game and lights it up like Tony!
OkieDawg
October 5th, 2011
5:44 pm
@Bo…Dude you are so uninformed. Rambo is one of the nations leaders in interceptions in the FBS with 4.
ga gator
October 5th, 2011
5:46 pm
VolsRule, be assured Gators despise your creamsickle butts; I have never met a Gator who hates anyone more than inbred Tennessee fans except for ND.
VolsRule
October 5th, 2011
6:00 pm
Dirty Dawg – and you point is?????????
Recruits switch schools last minute often.
I am sure Clemson and SoCal wonder why Herschel wound up at UGA – and just happened to pick up a new Trans Am at the same time….HMMMMMM.
Tennessee has been burned by last second switches – so has UGA. Hate it, but it’s a part of the game.
At the end of the day – Da’Rick not attending UGA opened the opportunity for another great football player to attend UGA. Look at it this way – maybe, just maybe – Malcolm Mitchell would have gone to FSU or ALABAMA – his two schools rated above UGA right to signing day – if UGA did not need WR’s. Mitchell has made more of an impact for UGA in his freshman year than Da’Rick has made for Tennessee. Fortunately, Da’rick has learned the system and has improved – he has the tools! He is now a very good receiver on the college level.
VolsRule
October 5th, 2011
6:02 pm
gagator – I feel the hate!!!! Nothing like good ole fashion hate on a Saturday afternoon in Knoxville or Gainesville.
who cares in valdosta
October 5th, 2011
6:11 pm
What a waste for a blog. Who really cares about this kid? Maybe the questions should be to Richt and Bobo on how they have let our offensive line be so outta whack as far as depth goes. Ask those questions, Bradley. Who cares about Da rick Rogers?
Bob
October 5th, 2011
6:20 pm
Folks, while I respect your opinions, I only want us to sign players that want to play for UGA. Da’Rick will go down in history with that other great WR, “The Future”, and Marlon Brown will be remembered just like our projected superstar receiver Durell Robinson.
Bill King
October 5th, 2011
6:25 pm
JUST WIN BABY !!!!!!!!!!!!!
RomeDawg
October 5th, 2011
6:42 pm
Thanks!
JDawg1785
October 5th, 2011
6:53 pm
The UT offense leads the league in 3rd down conversions (62%) while the UGA defense leads the league in opponent third down conversions at 25%.
If the Dawgs can win the battle on 3rd down, I like their chances. Regardless, this is going to be a battle and should be a great game.
Go Dawgs!
North Georgia Dawg
October 5th, 2011
6:55 pm
We got Marlon Brown because his grandmother saw through the smoke and mirrors Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron were putting up (turns out she was right). Tennessee got Da’rick as a payback for taking their states #1 high school recruit. However, the deal was also related to UGA not offering Nash Nance a Scholarship. As recent news reports, former coach at UT brokered deal for Lache Seastrunk to fly to Knoxville for a “unofficial” vist. Needless to say UT more than likely paid for Da’Rick’s services as well. There’s no great athletes in Tennessee so they have to go out of their state and typically pay them to play their. Go take a look at their roster. Most of their players are not from Tennessee. Two predictions… Da’Rick never beats UGA and Nance never sees the field during their careers at UT.
kybodawg
October 5th, 2011
7:03 pm
the greatest song never heard ROCKY TOP lets keep it quiet
Classy
October 5th, 2011
7:03 pm
You UGA fans are unbelievable. You want to trash a kid because he didn’t sign with your school? So let me get this straight…UGA has never flipped a kid right at the end of the signing period? Of course they have…and when they do, you guys slap each other on the back and give the coaches kudos for doing so. And before anybody brings it up, I know that we gave Nash a scholarship as well. Richt has done the same thing…twice.
Bottom line is…pick an arguement. You either don’t need Da’Rick, he’s a punk and you are glad he signed elsewhere…..OR you are still so sick with jealousy that you want to trash him…it’s your choice.
Frankly
October 5th, 2011
7:04 pm
I think D’RR is really sold on himself. You get what you pay for. Anyone who carries a “personal” grude against someone he turned his back on sounds like an idiot to me.
PTC DAWG
October 5th, 2011
7:04 pm
“no war of words” and then you print this rubbish.
Classy
October 5th, 2011
7:07 pm
I guess you UGA fans need the extra motivation of hating Rogers. I would think having a 3-2 record and a coach on the hot seat would be enough. Guess not.
Classy
October 5th, 2011
7:11 pm
Frankly….Quit trying to make more out of what Rogers said than he actually did. He said he had to go where he would be happy and said that the game meant a little more to him because he is from Georgia. If wanting to go to a school that makes you happy makes him “sold on himself” then I don’t know what to say.
UGA? RU Kidding?
October 5th, 2011
7:12 pm
No war of words? They’re probably out of ammo.
UGA? RU Kidding?
October 5th, 2011
7:14 pm
Don’t waste your time Classy…talking logic to dawg fans is like putting a pig in an Armani suit.
CRO-MAGNON MAN
October 5th, 2011
7:14 pm
Da’Prick Rogers-Nash! Let that QB dudes dad use him to cut a better deal for his son….Where is Nash on the depth chart???j That he said, “Its all about me” sort of sums up this dude….
ugahedges
October 5th, 2011
7:22 pm
Enter your comments here
Classy
October 5th, 2011
7:24 pm
Cro-Magnon…you and I both know that Rogers just meant that you don’t make that kind of decision for coaches. You make it for yourself. What scholarship athlete doesn’t?
Classy
October 5th, 2011
7:25 pm
You are trying your best, as well as other UGA fans, of making something out of nothing. You guys just need to worry about playing football and winning games.
ugahedges
October 5th, 2011
7:26 pm
down go the vols!i i will take athens over ut anyday! darick you are a
traitor and i doubt the dawgfans will be pulling for you saturday that live in calhoun,at uga loyalty means everthing.
Classy
October 5th, 2011
7:27 pm
Hedges…so every kid from Georgia need to sign with UGA or they are a traitor? Stay Classy.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
October 5th, 2011
7:31 pm
ugaclassof2004/Send’em U hauls: Why don’t y’all just STFU about CMR? He can’t be inside the head of all the players and he hopefully will be UGA coach for at least 20 more years. It’s people like you two that does more hurt to the program than any other single factor. Now get back to cooking those fries and mopping the kitchen. You are definitely NOT UGA fans.
Classy
October 5th, 2011
7:32 pm
Brainiac…win games and it all goes away. Otherwise, people are going to talk. It’s the way it is.
ugaclassof2004
October 5th, 2011
7:55 pm
Thank you Classy.
Brainiac and Mad Dog: it’s “fans” like YOU that hurt the program by not demanding more! I like Mark Richt. I think he’s a wonderful man. He made my college years wonderful especially in 2002 when they went 13-1. He’s represented the university well.
But he’s not the same coach. 8-5, 6-7, and starting the season 0-2 is NOT getting the job done. The man is making 3 Million a year to put this on the field. How much are you two making? He’s not getting paid 3 million a year to be a campus minister, he’s getting 3 million a year to be a FOOTBALL COACH!!! I’m tired of half a$$ness! I’m tired of being second tier! And I tired of not winning championships when the ENTIRE SEC EAST IS DOWN!!! Richt has had more than enough time to turn this around, and he hasn’t. I think demanding more and wanting the best for my university makes me a good fan not a bad one. Why can’t “fans” like YOU understand that?
KINGDAWG
October 5th, 2011
7:57 pm
Not worth the time of of day.