'11 MA WR Richard Rodgers (Cal Verbal)

[BGIF]

Wide Receiver
Shrewsbury, MA St John's HS

Ht: 6-4
Wt: 230
40: 4.6
GPA: 2.185
Test: 980

STATS
'09: 49 Catches, 722 Yards, 14.7 YPC, 17 TD; Defense 27 Tackles, 1 Sack, 4 Ints

RANKING
Rivals: , #12 TE, Rating 5.8
Scout: , #63 WR
ESPN: , #34 TE, Grade 78

OFFERS
Cal
Maryland
Notre Dame
Oregon
Boston College

Minnesota
Massachusetts
Virginia
West Virginia

ND RECRUITER: Bob Diaco

DECISION: 8/29/10 California Verbal

 

[BGIF]

Pioneers' Rodgers receives ND offer


By Jim Wilson TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

April 1

It certainly has been a busy few weeks for St. John’s junior Richard Rodgers. The highly recruited wide receiver was offered a football scholarship to play for Notre Dame yesterday, bringing the number of offers on the table to five.

The scholarship offer from Notre Dame is interesting because the Irish recently hired Assumption College graduate Brian Kelly, whom Rodgers said made a good impression on him.

“I spoke with Coach Kelly, and he told me that it would be great to have me on the team,” Rodgers said in an e-mail. “He said he is looking forward to having a player from where he grew up.”

The Fighting Irish’s offer followed a recent offer from Oregon. Rodgers’ cousin, Jarius Byrd, played for the Ducks before getting drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round in 2009.

“Oregon has had a chance to come out here and see me play basketball, and they said they need a great athlete to get to the next level,” Rodgers said.

Maryland, Boston College and California also made previous offers. The Cal offer is intriguing because not only is that where his father, Richard, went, but the school is open to the idea of Rodgers trying to walk on to the basketball team as well.

 

[BGIF]

Sees like a national prospects with coast to coast offers but he only has 5 offers. Turns out there are connections (legacies) to his west coast offers. His dad played for Cal in "The Game" with Stanford (and the Stanford Band). He had a cousin now with the Buffalo Bills that played for Oregon.

Also turns out that Rodgers has lived in both Berkeley, CA and Eastern MA.

Rivals and Scout list him as a WR while ESPN has him as a TE. At 6-4 230 4.6 he could play either position in HS.

 

[BGIF]

Didint' get any love from Scout in their new rankings, 1 Star, NR WR.

They have no articles on him, list 1 offer, barely know he exists.

 

[BGIF]

He intends to visit ND this summer.

 

[irishfan]

Same school where LB Nick Borsetti went to (think he graduated from ND in '06 maybe '07?)

 

[Irish52]

Didint' get any love from Scout in their new rankings, 1 Star, NR WR.

They have no articles on him, list 1 offer, barely know he exists.

What am I missing here? Why are we recruiting one star players? We obviously have the ability to recruit 5 star players...and we should put maximum effort in that arena. Anyone else out there puzzled by this offer????

 

[GEORGIA DOMER]

6-4,230,4.6 IKWT (in kelly we trust

 

[TerryTate]

To paraphrase BGIF in another thread:

"It's early May despite the accelerated recruting season's there's still 9 months till NSD. Undoubtedly, there are players out there that will gain the spotlight their senior season to swell the ranks."


The rankings are not even complete yet. The kid has the measurables to compete, and with little coverage by the recruiting sites, our opinion is pretty unsubstantiated at this point. Kelly likes him, I like him. Are we really doubting his abilities after the start of this class?

 

[Ironman8]

ESPN is picking up on him:

New England prospect Richard Rodgers holding five offers

Tight end / wide receiver Richard Rodgers (Shewsbury, Mass./St. John's) is currently holding scholarship offers from Boston College, Notre Dame, California, Maryland and Oregon, ESPN affiliate Web site IrishSportsDaily.com reports.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound prospect is also receiving interest from programs such as Clemson, Iowa, Michigan State, Nebraska, Stanford and Tennessee.

"Everything is wide open," Rodgers stated, adding that he's targeting a fall decision. "I'm versatile with location because I have family everywhere. I think the education is the big part. Wherever I go, I want to set myself up for the future, that's basically the main thing. My father says I should go to the school that has the best education for me, because I'm going to need it in the future."

Rodgers' father played at California and then in the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues. He's served as a college football coach for more than a decade.

Richard caught 49 passes for 722 yards (14.7 average) and 17 touchdowns last season. He also made 27 tackles and intercepted four passes.

 

[fitz_bu47]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought when they were non rated, it didn't mean they were a one-star, they just haven't evaluated them yet....It happens w/ a lot of kids who don't attend "pipeline" schools, or attend a lot of stuff to get noticed.

 

[youngblood24]

Haven't heard of this kid - plays out towards the central part of the state. If I'm thinking about it, I'd have to say that most teams in MA don't pass the ball much (hardly at all), and if they do, it is usually short routes and obviously don't show off the receivers as much as other parts of the country. I'm trying to think the last time a non-private school WR committed somewhere worth noting, but I am drawing a blank.


Gallup was a private school kid, playing against all privates. St Johns is a catholic school but plays in the D1 (highest level) of the MIAA. They're one of the best teams in the state, but they play in a super bowl involving the Central/Western part of the state where there are less teams, less students in schools, and less skilled competition it would seem. They play the top teams in the East, but since the MIAA doesn't have one super bowl for the state per division, he doesn't generate much pub from Boston papers.

I might get a chance to see him play this year - will report if I do.

 

[BGIF]

What am I missing here? Why are we recruiting one star players? We obviously have the ability to recruit 5 star players...and we should put maximum effort in that arena. Anyone else out there puzzled by this offer????

Aren't you the same guy that thinks 4.47 speed is "average at best" for a CB?

For the most part ND (and everybody else) has been busy recruiting NO STARS.

Scout is the only one that has issued stars at this point, based solely on Jr stats. No camps, no combines, No May Evaluation offers were included in that assessment. Rivals usually waits until after the May Evaluation before issuing Stars. There's a full summer of camps, combines, and prospects taking visits that will influence who gets offered and who goes up or down in the polls (whoops, rankings).

As of now there Scout has only listed 3 - 5 Star WRs. ND just visited the #1 WR who has an ND offer. #2 is widely considered a Southern Cal Silent commit. #3 doesn't seem interested in ND and vice versa.

According to Scout ND has offered these Scout ranked WRs #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 19, 22, 26, 30, 35, 39, 46, 61, and 65.

#6 has ND in his top 3.
#8 has ND as his leader.

ND is probably only going to take 2 or 3 WRs. Kelly and Company seem to have been pretty busy making offers to WR that they think fit THEIR system rather than the recruiting guru's concept of a WR. Some of these guys aren't at a point to be accepted by ND Admissions. So the staff keeps looking, keeps evaluating, and stays in touch with those already offered.

Rogers doesn't play in FL, CA, TX, or OH so his coverage has been less. In the minds of the ND staff he warrants an offer. 6-4 230 and 4.6 as a Junior. I'll hazard a guess he's probably as good as any receiver Kelly played in a game at UC. If this kid is the worse receiver ND signs it will be a good class.

 

[IrishGolden09]

Aren't you the same guy that thinks 4.47 speed is "average at best" for a CB?

For the most part ND (and everybody else) has been busy recruiting NO STARS.

Scout is the only one that has issued stars at this point, based solely on Jr stats. No camps, no combines, No May Evaluation offers were included in that assessment. Rivals usually waits until after the May Evaluation before issuing Stars. There's a full summer of camps, combines, and prospects taking visits that will influence who gets offered and who goes up or down in the polls (whoops, rankings).

As of now there Scout has only listed 3 - 5 Star WRs. ND just visited the #1 WR who has an ND offer. #2 is widely considered a Southern Cal Silent commit. #3 doesn't seem interested in ND and vice versa.

According to Scout ND has offered these Scout ranked WRs #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 19, 22, 26, 30, 35, 39, 46, 61, and 65.

#6 has ND in his top 3.
#8 has ND as his leader.

ND is probably only going to take 2 or 3 WRs. Kelly and Company seem to have been pretty busy making offers to WR that they think fit THEIR system rather than the recruiting guru's concept of a WR. Some of these guys aren't at a point to be accepted by ND Admissions. So the staff keeps looking, keeps evaluating, and stays in touch with those already offered.

Rogers doesn't play in FL, CA, TX, or OH so his coverage has been less. In the minds of the ND staff he warrants an offer. 6-4 230 and 4.6 as a Junior. I'll hazard a guess he's probably as good as any receiver Kelly played in a game at UC. If this kid is the worse receiver ND signs it will be a good class.

Do you think he may be a TE in Kelly's offense? Last year they started Guidugli and he is listed at 6-1 239. We always talk about the potential growth of the our offensive tackle recruits, you think this kid could be a matchup nightmare with his potential size/speed ratio from the TE position? I know Koyack just committed... maybe Kelly wants the versatility of having a WR/TE hybrid? Just wondering because he weighs a pound more than Rudolph when he was at the same stage.

 

[Ironman8]

My roommate in college was an alumni at this school and I hit him up about this kid. Says he is a stud that does everything for his team. Plays TE on offense and is split out half the time, and plays DE/LB on defense.

As to what position he is recruited at, I have no information on that at this point, but pure speculation on my part leads me to wonder if he could be being recruited on defense as opposed to strictly WR/TE. His size and speed at this stage could point to an OLB in a 3-4, with room for growth.

Personally I will always take a look at a kid with his size and 4.6 speed as a junior in high school.

 

[ryno 24]

I am excited about a kid that is 230 and runs a 4.4 forty

 

[IrishInFl]

I'm not! He's a 1*! We should only go after 5* players! (sarcasm)

 

[FrankMA]

Haven't heard of this kid - plays out towards the central part of the state. If I'm thinking about it, I'd have to say that most teams in MA don't pass the ball much (hardly at all), and if they do, it is usually short routes and obviously don't show off the receivers as much as other parts of the country. I'm trying to think the last time a non-private school WR committed somewhere worth noting, but I am drawing a blank.


Gallup was a private school kid, playing against all privates. St Johns is a catholic school but plays in the D1 (highest level) of the MIAA. They're one of the best teams in the state, but they play in a super bowl involving the Central/Western part of the state where there are less teams, less students in schools, and less skilled competition it would seem. They play the top teams in the East, but since the MIAA doesn't have one super bowl for the state per division, he doesn't generate much pub from Boston papers.

I might get a chance to see him play this year - will report if I do.

He is highly regarded here in central MA and he goes to a top academic and sports school. Having said that, football is not that great in central MA anyway; but, Boston College occasionally pulls a few unheralded players out of this area and they turn out to be pretty good players. He is an athlete who can play different positions if needed.

 

[DoverShores]

wow, I didn't know this kid was that big. Anyone know if there's game tape on him?

 

[Irish.Ca]

IMPORTANT: Remember BK has a 3 position system for recruiting players.

Skill

Big Skill

? (need help here, couldn't find it again)

 

[amgarvey]

My roommate in college was an alumni at this school and I hit him up about this kid. Says he is a stud that does everything for his team. Plays TE on offense and is split out half the time, and plays DE/LB on defense.

As to what position he is recruited at, I have no information on that at this point, but pure speculation on my part leads me to wonder if he could be being recruited on defense as opposed to strictly WR/TE. His size and speed at this stage could point to an OLB in a 3-4, with room for growth.

Personally I will always take a look at a kid with his size and 4.6 speed as a junior in high school.

I think this is a very good point. We all know Kelly moves players around and as Irish.ca pointed out largely recruits "types." I think he certainly has the body type and great wheels for OLB.

 

[amgarvey]

I'm not! He's a 1*! We should only go after 5* players! (sarcasm)

Please for the love of all things holy leave that poor horse alone!

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Aren't you the same guy that thinks 4.47 speed is "average at best" for a CB?

For the most part ND (and everybody else) has been busy recruiting NO STARS.

Scout is the only one that has issued stars at this point, based solely on Jr stats. No camps, no combines, No May Evaluation offers were included in that assessment. Rivals usually waits until after the May Evaluation before issuing Stars. There's a full summer of camps, combines, and prospects taking visits that will influence who gets offered and who goes up or down in the polls (whoops, rankings).

As of now there Scout has only listed 3 - 5 Star WRs. ND just visited the #1 WR who has an ND offer. #2 is widely considered a Southern Cal Silent commit. #3 doesn't seem interested in ND and vice versa.

According to Scout ND has offered these Scout ranked WRs #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 19, 22, 26, 30, 35, 39, 46, 61, and 65.

#6 has ND in his top 3.
#8 has ND as his leader.

ND is probably only going to take 2 or 3 WRs. Kelly and Company seem to have been pretty busy making offers to WR that they think fit THEIR system rather than the recruiting guru's concept of a WR. Some of these guys aren't at a point to be accepted by ND Admissions. So the staff keeps looking, keeps evaluating, and stays in touch with those already offered.

Rogers doesn't play in FL, CA, TX, or OH so his coverage has been less. In the minds of the ND staff he warrants an offer. 6-4 230 and 4.6 as a Junior. I'll hazard a guess he's probably as good as any receiver Kelly played in a game at UC. If this kid is the worse receiver ND signs it will be a good class.

Thank you, sir. May I have another?

 

[Irish.Ca]

I also remember reading that BK was big on recruiting winners, people who'd won at all levels and wherever they'd gone, guess he likes the man in the mirror. Winning does breed winning and its a great habit for us to get back into IMO.

 

[Subway Alum - MA]

As youngblood24 mentioned above, Rodgers is from central MA. Players from the central and western part of the state rarely get much mention in the Boston press short of the scores and an occasional short game summary, so they can fly under the radar.

Nick Borsetti went to St. John's Prep, same name but different school. His alma mater is located in Danvers in eastern MA. They are a perennial powerhouse playing a tough schedule against some of the strongest teams in the state. Since the parochial schools can recruit and usually get the best players.

Subway Alum - MA
ND Fan Since 1950

 

[FrankMA]

As youngblood24 mentioned above, Rodgers is from central MA. Players from the central and western part of the state rarely get much mention in the Boston press short of the scores and an occasional short game summary, so they can fly under the radar.



Subway Alum - MA
ND Fan Since 1950

Yes, I am from central MA and players rarely get mentioned in the Boston press. They barely get mentioned in the local press. The only people who usually attend the games are students and players families. It is very easy for a talented player to fly under the radar.

 

[Subway Alum - MA]

MASSACHUSETTS NOMINEES FOR ALL-AMERICAN BOWL

MASSACHUSETTS NOMINEES FOR ALL-AMERICAN BOWL

The Boston Herald High School blog announced today that DB Albert Louis-Jean of Brockton (who visited ND, but shortly after returning home committed to Miami) and TE Brian Miller of Andover (who recently announced his intentions to play at BC) have been nominated to play in the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX

Subway Alum - MA

 

[youngblood24]

Louis-Jean is at my high school - still rather confused why he chose Miami. I wish SJS and Brockton would hook up - Brockton is always looking to up their schedule.

Anywho - as the Central Mass contingent has stated, no press etc. They have a few good teams in the Central (Leominster, Fitchburg, SJS), but don't seem to get out to E MA a lot and thus aren't covered by papers.

When I lived in Western MA, the coverage for Springfield area teams was miserable - barely a box score.

 

[DaLastFarleyite]

IMPORTANT: Remember BK has a 3 position system for recruiting players.

Skill

Big Skill

? (need help here, couldn't find it again)

Power

 

[TDHeysus]

What am I missing here? Why are we recruiting one star players? We obviously have the ability to recruit 5 star players...and we should put maximum effort in that arena. Anyone else out there puzzled by this offer????

The stars, or lack thereof, doesnt concern me. but this does:

“I spoke with Coach Kelly, and he told me that it would be great to have me on the team,” Rodgers said in an e-mail. “He said he is looking forward to having a player from where he grew up.”

I can only assume there is other criteria he is being recruited on.