Toledo Central Catholic senior running back Brad Rogers
committed to Iowa
in April of 2008 before his summer began. As a senior his team went 10-0 before
falling to Olentangy Liberty in the first round of the playoffs. Now Rogers is focused on
strength and conditioning and getting ready for college football.
By Steve Patterson
Four City League Titles
Rogers, a 5’10” 230 lbs
running back with 4.65 speed, played along side fullback Mike Marrow in the
backfield for Central Catholic as they won four straight city league titles.
Marrow is headed to Alabama while Rogers is ready to be an
Iowa Hawkeye. When we asked Rogers
about his abilities on the field he mentioned his leadership as his best
quality. “My best attribute would have to be my smarts. I’m like a quarterback
on offense and defense.”
The
highlight of his time at Central Catholic would be his senior season. “The
highlight of my high school career would probably have to be going 10-0 my
senior year.” Rogers
told us about his shortened season. He missed three games with a high ankle
sprain before returning for the playoffs when he was limited to defense.
Big Visit to Iowa City
Rogers
got to visit Iowa over the weekend of November
10th when Iowa
defeated the then undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions. On his visited he had the
opportunity to talk to the Big 10 Player of the Year, Shonn Greene. “I visited Iowa, Northwestern, Bowling Green
and Toledo.
They were all good visits.” Rogers
explained about his recruiting visit schedule.
Rogers was an Ohio Preseason Top 50 prospect
and the 48th best ranked running back in the country according to Rivals.com.
He had interest from a number of schools and wanted to evaluate each program
for their academics and coaching stability. “I’m looking for a college that’s
going to help me when I need it in order to graduate. In a football program I’m
looking for a team where I know I’m going to have the same coaches all my
years.” He explained to us.
But Iowa
City was the place for Rogers
as he liked the atmosphere in Kinnick Stadium and the members of the Hawkeye
family. “The thing I like the most about Iowa
is the coaches, players and the whole Hawkeye atmosphere!”