Five Star Lineman Justin Rogers Chooses Kentucky
Ever since they defeated Penn State in the Citrus Bowl Mark Stoops and the Cats have been riding high. Not only on the field but also on the recruiting front. Over the last couple of weeks UK has picked up three recruits for 2020. However they landed the biggest one of all on Monday as five star lineman Justin Rogers chooses Kentucky.
A History Making Player
According to the latest Rivals rankings Rogers is the 10th best prospect in America and the highest rated offensive guard. The 6-2, 310 pound Rogers chose Kentucky over Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and Tennessee. 247 Sports ranks Rogers as the best player in the state of Michigan. Furthermore, they project him as a future second round pick in the NFL, this before ever setting foot in Lexington.
5⭐ OG Justin Rogers commits to Kentucky pic.twitter.com/JGMVyTlKwh
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) May 20, 2019
Long considered an Ohio State lean, the Buckeyes weren’t even in his final list. Rogers actually visited Athens this past weekend, however the Cats were able to hold on to him. Kentucky was one of the first to recruit him, offering a scholarship way back in the eighth grade.
Rogers marks only the second five-star player to choose Kentucky since Rivals started their rankings in 2002. The other is offensive tackle and current Wildcat Landon Young. He rated 29th overall in the 2016 class.
Another thing working in Kentucky’s favor is that Rogers was the teammate of current Cat Marquan McCall. Ironically McCall was also an offensive guard coming out of Oak Park High School in Detroit, Michigan. As a true freshman McCall played in eight games with five tackles and a quarterback sack. Both players along with DeAndre Square are hail from Michigan. Defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale recruited all three to Kentucky.
Running With The Big Dogs
Again, the magnitude of this commitment on the program can’t be stated enough. Over the last couple of years Kentucky has proven it can compete with the elite in the SEC on the field. Rogers’ pledge shows they are now ready to compete in recruiting. Winning 10 games last season plus having the overall number seven pick in this year’s NFL Draft in Josh Allen certainly helped too.
While True Blue Fans are accustomed to seeing five star players on the basketball court, this is a huge accomplishment on the gridiron. While there are some who will say “yeah but he has to make it to campus” the Big Blue Nation should enjoy this day. Again five star lineman Justin Rogers chooses Kentucky giving Stoops and company their highest rated recruit ever. Thanks for checking out this and all the posts here at Last Word On College Football. Keep checking back throughout the summer as we get you ready for the season opener against Toledo on August 31st.
