Exclusive interview with Hebron High School OL Zach Rogers

Recruiting update with top Carrollton, Texas offensive lineman

 

As the hype and anticipation builds leading into the first Wednesday of February for National Signing Day, one Class of 2015 recruit will already be on a college campus going through the daily grind of classroom work, offseason workouts, and learning a new playbook. That student-athlete is Carrolton, Texas’ star offensive lineman Zach Rogers.

Rogers is a powerful 6’2”, 300 pound, lineman that projects at guard or center at the next level. The Hebron Hawks talent is already blessed with a college ready body with a max bench press of 410 pounds and a squat of 470.

In a one-on-one interview Rogers sat down to discuss his senior year of high school football, the recruiting process, and signing a financial aid agreement with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

 

Zach, you signed a financial aid agreement with the Razorbacks in early August, what was that experience like for you?

“It was a pretty cool thing. It ties them to me but doesn’t mean I’m tied to them 100 percent but I am 100 percent committed to the Hogs.”

Before you signed a financial aid agreement you had a lot of top schools extend offers. Which programs have offered you a scholarship?

“Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, and UCLA have offered. Since I signed the financial aid agreement the college recruiters have backed off.”

What made you choose Arkansas over your other offers?

“Every since they offered me in summer of 2012 I was excited. Arkansas has something different. There’s nothing wrong with the other schools but Arkansas is just the place for me. The new staff came in and Coach B (Bret Bielema) made me realize that was the place I want to be.”

Are any schools still pursuing you?

“After I committed there were some still coming. My head coach stopped the recruiters from coming in and pulling me out of the classroom. He’s telling all the other college coaches “Not a thing on this earth that will take him away from Arkansas.”

What type of feedback have you received from Arkansas offensive line coach Sam Pittman?

“We run a style of offense similar to Arkansas. We have a down hill running game and they like my aggressiveness in my blocking. We run the ball on almost every play. Our schemes are very similar to Arkansas. (Coach Pittman) likes the way I’m moving on my blocks.”

How is your pass blocking?

“Last year we ran some spread offense. I’m experienced at both run and pass blocking.”

The Hawks have started off 0-2 this season, how have you played so far?

“Our first two games were non-district games. We have a chance to bounce back a little bit going into league games. The first game our offense was not that great and the second game our defense struggled some. I think I had 15, what we call conversions (knock downs and pancake blocks), last game.”

You were on the Fayetteville campus for the Nicholls State game, how did your visit go?

“It was great. I’m trying to help bring other guys to Arkansas. I met Daytrieon Dean (DE, Fort Smith, AR) for first time and the defensive lineman from Denmark, (Hjalte) Froholdt. I also talked to La’Michael Pettway (WR, Nashville, AR) a little bit. Talked to Ty Storey (QB, Charleston, AR) some too.”

As an early enrollee, once you get to the Arkansas campus what will you bring to the Razorbacks in 2015?

“I’m ready to give my best. I’m highly motivated to play early. If I redshirt or play early, whenever the time comes I want to be ready. I’m ready to go through the offseason program.”

Do you have a favorite college or high school player you like to watch?

“J.J. Watt, the defensive end for Houston. He played under Coach B at Wisconsin. I like the kind of guy he is on and off the field. He’s a guy I look up to.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The intensity of the game is what I like best. There’s 40 minutes on the game clock, you get 70 plays. I like that intense feeling of trying to beat someone that is across from you 70 times in a row for 40 minutes.”

 

Since Coach Bielema and offensive line coach Sam Pittman came onto the Arkansas campus two years ago the talent along the Razorbacks offensive line has improved immensely. Guys like Dan Skipper, Denver Kirkland, Frank Ragnow, Sebastian Tretola, and Brian Wallace, just to name a few, have the Hogs running game heading in the right direction. Rogers is another addition into the mix of young talented lineman that is sure to help turn the Arkansas program around for years to come.

Photo credit: Kellie Rogers Photography; No. 75 Zach Rogers

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