4-Star DT Greg Rogers Focused on Narrowing List of Suitors

EL SOBRANTE, Calif. — While several schools are still hot on his trail, 4-star defensive tackle Greg Rogers can see the finish line nearing in his recruitment.

With nearly 25 offers to his credit, Rogers has identified a timeline for cutting his list and making a final decision.

“I will release my top six by the end of next week, and I plan on committing in December,” Rogers told Bleacher Report. “The majority of the coaches I’ve dealt with have been good. I’m not speaking on my top list because I will release that with my family [soon]. The majority of my top schools, I have a good relationship with those coaching staffs. Everybody that will be on my top-six list, I feel comfortable with those coaches the most.”

The nation’s No. 5 defensive tackle and the No. 95 player overall in the 2017 cycle showed why schools are fawning over his abilities with a sterling showing at the Nike Opening Regional camp in Oakland over the weekend.

Rogers was one of four talented defensive linemen who punched their tickets to The Opening in July.

“It feels really good to get open. I’m really hyped right now,” Rogers said. “I just wanted to show them what I can do and build on the film I’ve got up. I just came out here to dominate and handle my business, and I feel like I did that. I’m glad that it was enough for me to get that invite.”

His day started with a strong performance in testing in the morning portion of the camp. Rogers was pleased with the fact that his numbers in most of the drills improved in comparison to last year.

“I put up some good numbers in testing," Rogers said. "I ran a 4.4 shuttle. I did a 5.4 [in the 40-yard dash], and I threw a 38-foot power ball. It should have been a 40, but I couldn’t get my form down. I jumped a 24-inch vertical jump. All of my numbers increased except the 40 time, which was the same from last year."

While Rogers isn’t releasing the schools that will be on his short list, he did shed light on a few programs that he was able to visit recently.

“I had a good time [at Notre Dame]. I got to meet with the coaches and meet some of the players as well. It was really fun. I also went to Arizona State and USC recently,” Rogers said.

Additionally, he has designs on making a few more visits in the coming weeks and months.

“I want to visit Oklahoma, Michigan and then see USC and UCLA again," Rogers said. "Hopefully, I get an opportunity to go to Notre Dame again."

Narrowing things down will also be a challenge considering the number of schools he said are pursuing him aggressively.

“Michigan is coming at me hard," Rogers said. "Oklahoma is coming at me hard. USC, UCLA and Notre Dame are also coming pretty hard. A lot of schools, really. I’m just enjoying it and having fun with it right now. I’m enjoying the recruiting process how it’s supposed to be.”

Rogers, who reports a 3.2 GPA, also said that he’s now weighing in at 6’6”, 305 pounds. While he has a bright future on the gridiron, he’s also identified his action plan for a career after his playing days are over.

“I plan on majoring in either criminal justice or communications. Probably a law enforcement officer," he said. "I want to play in the NFL, but it’s good to have a backup plan. Those are two things I’m really interested in."

Rogers noted that the school he chooses will have to have a great academic reputation and a family atmosphere. However, there’s one particular element he’s looking for in terms of his fit on the field at his eventual landing spot.

“I want to fit into the scheme there," Rogers said. "I feel like I want to play in a four-man front in college. I don’t want to play in a three-man front. Wherever I feel like I have the best opportunity, that’s the school I will pick.”

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand, and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.