FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas landed one of the region’s best offensive linemen for the Class of 2015 on Saturday as Zach Rogers gave an oral commitment to the Razorbacks.
Rogers, a 6-3, 295-pound offensive tackle from Carrollton (Texas) Hebron, became Arkansas’ second commitment for 2015, joining quarterback Ty Storey of Charleston. Rogers has had an offer from Arkansas since last July, when he attended a camp in Fayetteville. His stock had skyrocketed with multiple offers after performing well in camps and following his selection as a sophomore All-American by MaxPreps last season.
“I just felt like this was home and I didn’t see that ever changing, so I just made it official,” Rogers said. “People say in recruiting that you find a school that without sports you would still want to go there, and Arkansas is that place for me. I feel that every time I come to Fayetteville.”
Rogers was in Fayetteville with family members Saturday when he decided to make his commitment to the Razorbacks, saying he saw no reason to draw out his recruitment any further.
“It’s definitely kind of a cool deal, so now you can help recruit for the next two years instead of worrying about where you’re going to school,” Rogers said.
Rogers is the starting left tackle for the Hebron Hawks, but he said Arkansas likes him at center.
Oral commitments are non-binding.
Arkansas running backs coach Joel Thomas was Rogers’ lead recruiter, and Rogers said he had many conversations with his would-be position coach Sam Pittman along the way. Knowing the quality of offensive linemen Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema and his assistants have been producing for the NFL played a role in Rogers’ decision.
“It was definitely a big thing,” he said. “We were talking about that this morning, all the linemen that he and coach [Jim] Chaney and coach Pittman and that staff have put into the NFL.”
Rogers had offers from Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor, Texas Tech, UCLA and many other schools, but he said his visits to Fayetteville have convinced him there is no need to look further.
“This is an awesome place,” Rogers said. “I’m very happy that I have a home now.”
Sports, Pages 29 on 07/07/2013