Justin Rogers

DE, OLB/LS · Southern Methodist
Rogers has transformed himself since arriving on the Hilltop as a 202-pound freshman back in 2002. Dining on a 15,000-calorie-per-day diet, Rogers gained 60 pounds in the last four-plus seasons and now tips the scales at 262 pounds. His regimen has translated well to the field, as he led Conference USA in sacks in 2005 and finished second in the league in that category in 2006. A colorful character on and off the field, Rogers will probably shift positions at the pro level, as scouts eye him as a potential strong-side outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment. Away from the field, Rogers is an avid hunter. He skinned a coyote during high school and gave the hide to his step-mom for Christmas. At Commerce High School, Rogers was a two-time All-District first-team selection and a member of the Herald Banner Dream Team. He helped his team win the state title in 1999 and 2001. He also competed in baseball, basketball and track, earning All-District honors on the baseball diamond. Rogers enrolled at Southern Methodist in 2002, spending the year competing on the scout team. He appeared in 12 contests in 2003, starting two at right defensive end. He was in on 33 tackles (16 solos) with an assisted sack. A foot injury sidelined Rogers for the final two games of 2004, as he posted 27 tackles (18 solos), 2.5 sacks and 5.5 stops for losses. As a junior, Rogers earned All-Conference USA honors, as he led the league with seven sacks, adding 10.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, three forced fumbles and a blocked kick. He finished sixth on the squad with 64 tackles (42 solos) while starting 11 games at right end. Rogers ranked 13th in the nation with 9.5 sacks in 2006, picking up All-Conference USA first-team accolades. He added 15 stops for losses and two forced fumbles with 59 tackles (41 solos), despite missing the Marshall game and most of the Texas-El Paso game with a neck sprain. In 44 games at Southern Methodist, Rogers started 26 times as a defensive end. He made 183 tackles (117 solos) with 19.5 sacks for minus 152-yards, 32 stops for losses of 184 yards and five quarterback pressures. He caused five fumbles, deflected two passes, blocked one kick and registered a safety.