Will Rogers will be a counselor for the third straight year at the Manning Passing Academy, a position that only goes to a select group of quarterbacks. This could be a testament to the increasing caliber of his play and thus the notice he is getting in the football community.
Rogers’ return to Mississippi State’s 2023 roster is certainly a bright prospect for a successful season. The Bulldog faithful had their prayers answered when he decided not to jump to the NFL. He was considered, by some, to be a potential number-one draft pick.
Considering the shakeup at MSU in the head coaching position, and thus the overall staff, a new offensive coordinator, a new offense, and a new Athletic Director, Rogers is that familiar constant in which the fans already have confidence. That’s a great thing to have as the Dawgs head into a season with more change than the program has seen in some time.
The record-setting quarterback’s talent has not gone unnoticed, and by two of the most successful and talented quarterbacks in their own right, Peyton and Eli Manning.
Interestingly enough, Dak Prescott, State’s phenom under Dan Mullen, was also a counselor during his tenure at the camp. Other notables from recent years include Alabama’s Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud.
Some Facts about the Camp
According to NCAA rules, eligible players for the Academy are between the ages of those entering the eighth grade and seniors to be in high school.
The prestigious clinic is going into its 27th year and is an extraordinary opportunity for young players to learn from the best.
The perception of the word “Passing” in the name, might lead one to believe it’s only for quarterbacks. However, the camp also includes running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.
Directed by the Manning patriarch, Archie, his sons Peyton, Eli, and Cooper serve roles as Senior Associate Directors.
The Academy kicks off on June 22nd and runs to the 25th this year, and takes place at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA, as it has since 2005. The original camp, launched in 1996, was held at Tulane in New Orleans.
Will Rogers, Ole Miss, and the Mannings
Maroon surely flows through the veins of Rogers these days, but it wasn’t always the case.
He was born and raised in Mississippi. His mother is a graduate of Alabama and his father, a football coach, attended Ole Miss. The young Rogers was a huge fan of the Rebels and idolized quarterbacks Eli Manning and Bo Wallace.
His grandfather, Bill Rogers, played baseball at Ole Miss alongside Archie Manning, thus a familial connection.
But as you might imagine the Mannings couldn’t care less about family connections. Not when it comes to football. They care more about talent, potential, and results.
Rogers caught their attention early in his career as he was made a counselor at the Academy in his Sophomore season. Last year, his play garnered him the Manning Quarterback of the Week Award twice.
More Records to Break?
When Rogers leaves the Manning Academy, it’s back to workouts and preparing for the preseason Bulldog Camp, coming this summer.
This is his final season at State as a 4th year at QB, a rarity these days for someone of his caliber. Hitting the NFL draft or the transfer portal was not in the cards for Rogers.
He was picked by some prognosticators to be the number one draft pick in this year’s draft. Perhaps he felt a sense of loyalty to the team and the university. Then, there is a side benefit to that loyalty.
If the 2022 season is any indication of Rogers’ potential for the upcoming season, Mississippi State fans should be as giddy as kids on Christmas Eve.
He has already broken several SEC and school records including several of Prescott’s.
In 2022, he broke the SEC overall season completion record with 1,159, surpassing Georgia’s Aaron Murray who had 921. An interesting fact is that Rogers achieved this in 28 games when it took Murray 52.
In the Auburn game last year, he broke two of Prescott’s records in one play. A 13-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Ducking, gave Rogers 71 career touchdowns surpassing Prescott’s 70. Going into the 2023 season he has a total of 82 and counting.
On the same play, he broke Prescott’s passing yardage record hitting 9,377. He currently has 10,689 going into next season.
Dak Prescott is OK with that. As he told Jackson’s Clarion-Ledger, “I’m a big believer records were meant to be broken. It’s exciting for Will and not only Will but his team as well and his coach. The record is going to have one name on it, but it’s damn sure not one guy’s record. For me, it’s cool to see. Will, break them all.”
There is no doubt Will Rogers has the backing of the Bulldogs’ legendary QB, but also the Manning brothers. The kids at their Academy will take away lessons and memories lasting a lifetime, thanks in no small part to Rogers.
Mississippi State fans will need to sit back and watch the show as the anticipation of the new season grows and the new Bulldawg era unfolds.
Photo courtesy: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
