University Southern California Trojans
Rogers Taking Charge At Left Tackle
October 17, 2001 | Football
Oct. 17, 2001
Fourth down used to be Jacob Rogers' favorite down.
That was when he used to do some of his best work in high school, averaging over 40 yards per punt for Oxnard (Calif.) High.
Now, he's starting at left offensive tackle as a redshirt sophomore for USC and trying to prevent fourth down from rearing its ugly head.
He's come a long way since becoming a Trojan. He joined the team in the spring of 1999 as a bit of an anomaly-a 6-6, 235-pound tight end who could also punt.
Two years later, he's an offensive lineman who looks the part: 300 pounds with long arms. Though he's a promising prospect on a young offensive line, there are still times when he looks longingly at the special teams.
"I kind of miss punting," said Rogers. "Every once in a while, I mess around with it. It's something that's hard to do after putting on all the weight that I have. My first spring here I was able to punt pretty well. Then I went from 235 to 265 pounds and it just wasn't the same."
Gaining so much weight so fast must have been a shock to his body, because Rogers has had a variety of injuries and surgeries on his shoulders and hip so far in his young career. In fact, he became so frustrated by his injuries that he switched numbers from 72 to 77 this season.
"My number last year was also (former USC tackle) Matt Welch's number," said Rogers. "He had a few shoulder surgeries so I figured it (No. 72) was bad luck.
"It's been tough with all the injuries. It seems like whenever I finish any kind of football season, I get operated on. It keeps me from being in the weight room as much as I should. But this year I feel the best that I ever have."
He's getting a chance to show his stuff, too. Rogers has started every game for USC this season at the all-important left tackle spot and has done a solid job. Being a former tight end, he's brings a healthy dose of athleticism to his position.
"My strength is my footwork," said Rogers. "Coming from a tight end background, I have pretty good feet. It helps me to stay in front of the guys a little better."
Rogers doesn't miss tight end as much as he misses punting, though. When he saw the opportunity to switch over to the offensive line, he jumped at it.
"I always admired the USC offensive line tradition growing up," said Rogers. "There has been a lot of great players who have worn my number, like Anthony Munoz and Ron Yary. I admire all those guys and what they've done at this school. I came in as a tight end, but I saw the opportunity that was presented and I decided to make the move to help the team."
Rogers was a fast learner and made an immediate impact during his first spring on the line. It helped that one of his predecessors at left tackle, NFL first-rounder John Michels, was there coaching him.
"My first spring at tackle was when I started getting the hang of it," said Rogers. "Michels was there that spring (as a volunteer assistant) and he helped me out tremendously. He would sit back and give me pointers right after a play. He was fresh out of the league so he had a lot to teach me. It really helped me get my foot in the door."
USC seems to have established a foot in the door with players from Ventura County, with Rogers being part of a recent wave of Trojans from that area.
"(Fullback) Chad Pierson came down right before me," said Rogers. "Then I came down, then (receiver) Keary Colbert and (linebacker) Bobby Otani. There's a lot of good players from up in that area and they are starting to get a little recognition."
With Oxnard being so far from city life, Rogers turned much of his attention growing up to hunting and fishing.
"I hunt and fish a lot with my dad," said Rogers. "I love to fish down in San Diego for tuna. This summer we went albacore fishing and we caught almost 200 Albacore tuna. We filled up the freezer. As for hunting, I like to hunt birds. Quails are my favorite. I'm a pretty good shot, but my dad's a great shot. It's really humbling going hunting with him."
In the meantime, Rogers' job is to hunt opposing pass rushers. It's a task that he enjoys.
"I get a lot of speed rushers on my side," he said. "It's challenging, but I accept that challenge and I like it. It's important to stick to fundamentals or they will get around the edge on you.
"You just have to go out there and have the attitude that you are going to beat the guy across the way from you on every play. He's going to have that attitude against you, so it's just a matter of who's going to do it. It's his job to beat you and your job to beat him."
The more Rogers wins that battle, the less fourth downs the Trojans will have to contend with.
