Written by Ell
| 20 June 2008
Chris Rogers - #8 - CB/S - 6-0 - 192 lbs. - Lakeland, FL - Evangel Christian - 2 Varsity Letters
A guy with ideal size for a defensive back, Chris has been from Cornerback to Safety, and now back again. He has been strong on special teams, and continues to be a good tackler.
All progress that he made in the 2007 ended when he was suspended 4 games for improper use of textbooks. It kept him from progressing at the safety position, where Bama struggled to find any play-making opposite Rashad Johnson.
He’s back at Cornerback for the 2008 season, and is the only experienced backup to Kareem Jackson at the right corner position. He lacks the raw speed and flexibility to be a great lock-down corner, which is likely why he's been moved from corner to safety. Bama's extreme lack of depth at the corner position means that he's getting another look at corner, to see if better DB coaching can have him using technique to mask his physical limitations.
2008 Prospectus: With talented freshmen Alonzo Lawrence, Robby Green & Robert Lester arriving on campus, it may be now or never for Chris. He should be given the first opportunity to earn time at the Star position in Bama’s nickel package, and with his experience at both corner and safety, he should have an advantage over Ali Sharrief, Marquis Johnson & the incoming freshman.
I believe that he will be taught enough technique that he'll be able to use his athleticism and size to be successful at the nickel position. He will still need to be kept on insider receivers, to allow him to keep plays in front of him. He's not fast enough to play outside, and that limitation could hurt him if the freshmen report ready to play.
Regardless of his play on defense, Chris will continue to be a standout on both kick and punt coverage teams.
