Tennessee 2028 RB Matthew Rogers flashing future four-star skills
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Taking speed plus production against Tennessee varsity teams coupled with some projection, Matthew Rogers is on his way to four-star recruiting status. The Class of 2028 tailback grabbed the rock for Knoxville Catholic turning in team-highs on the ground. The mix of present and future has already brought offers from Louisville and Purdue.
The Fighting Irish worked their budding freshman into the offensive game plan giving Rogers (5-9, 180) 97 carries that turned into 590 yards with three trips into the end zone. Showing all-purpose back abilities, Rogers also hauled in six passes for 38 yards and returned five kicks for 82 yards.
“On offense we mostly did inside and outside zone,” Rogers stated. “We threw a lot of screens and some deep balls.”
Rogers added, “At the beginning we mostly did inside and outside zone stuff, but towards the middle we started to air it out. We ran screens, some outside pitches, and quick screens towards the end of the season.”
The varsity snaps and his coaches believing in his talents helped Rogers grow as a player.
“I feel like my biggest improvements were my speed and awareness,” Rogers stated.
Asked, what sets you apart from other 2028 running backs? Rogers replied, “I feel like I am more explosive, and the game slows down for me as I keep going.”
Like all highly competitive athletes, Rogers is using the offseason to perfect his craft.
“I am focusing on footwork, catching, and improving my hands,” Rogers shared. “Weights wise, we lift every day except for Friday. I am working on my speed and explosion with a trainer. I am working on my technique.”
Rogers is a two-sport athlete for Knoxville Catholic.
“I used to play baseball, but now it’s just track and football,” Rogers said. “I compete in the 100, 200, and high jump.”
Matthew Rogers at Louisville (2024).
As Rogers was on his way to a breakout freshman campaign, the Cardinals got him on campus for a Sept. 7 game against Jacksonville State.
“My first offer was from Louisville,” Rogers shared. “Louisville is really nice. We toured everything. It was nice going there and experiencing that for the first time. It felt super cool there; it was really electric. Everyone was excited to see them play, and they won.”
In addition to Louisville, Rogers spent Saturdays this fall with Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Purdue, and Middle Tennessee State. The Lexington trip was a first for the rising 2028 recruit.
“Kentucky was my first college visit (Aug. 31),” Rogers stated. “It was really nice. It was delayed against Southern Miss because of the rain.”
Staying in-state, Rogers spoke about his time with the Commodores, “It was nice. We went through all the tunnels. From where we were sitting, we were really close to the end zone. We were there for the Tennessee game (Nov. 30).”
The trip to Lafayette became one Rogers will never forget.
“We went there for the Penn State game (Nov. 16); that’s when I got that offer,” Rogers said. “It was a good visit. I liked it; it is one of my favorites. All their facilities are nice. We went through the players’ tunnel and sat midfield; we could see all the players. Even though it was a tough game for Purdue, I really enjoyed it.”
Next level teams are learning about Rogers with Clemson, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Maryland, and Wake Forest showing interest.
MORE ON ROGERS
Going back to Rogers’ ninth grade season, he posted personal bests in the 100 at 11.4, in the 200 at 23.4, and had a 6-foot-high jump.
Looking for inspiration from the guys before him, Rogers likes watching the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley and Jahmyr Gibbs’ highlights when he was at Georgia Tech.
Photo credit: Rogers family – Matthew Rogers at Vanderbilt and Louisville