I talked for a while with Rogers tonight, mostly to see where he was at with his commitment amidst rumors that he'll be visiting UW next month along with other things I'd started to hear. My impressions? Not good.
He confirmed he's visiting Washington in August. But he also intends to take all 5 official visits. This is a committed quarterback we're talking about. I don't know that I can recall another instance of that.
Rogers told me he's "still 100%" committed to Cal, but then proceeded to regurgitate the type of reasoning for taking trips that the other staffs pursuing him have surely put into his head:
Obviously its very disappointing, because Rogers is, in my estimation, a phenomenal physical specimen and the loss from a talent perspective is a big one.He's a good kid. Smart and thoughtful. But something seemed pretty off. I think he's a guy that is influenced really easily based on what he shared. And honestly, the lack of equity or stake he seems to have in the class totally puzzles me. No ownership or real desire to invest in his future teammates from a recruiting perspective came off as really odd. Its a stark contrast to the camaraderie that seems to exist amongst the other commits. And now knowing how he's approaching his recruitment, I see why this was feeling like it's Max Gilliam's class.
Armani mentioned UW (obviously), Utah, and ASU as possible OV's. Cal is in there too, with a tentative unofficial slated for before the end of the summer and an OV as well. That is subject to change. Cal does not want Armani taking these trips. He knows that.
I think this commitment is destined to end in a parting of ways, probably before the fall. Feels like just a formality at this point. And I expect Cal to start kicking the tires on other QB options sooner than later.
This isn't rosy, but needed to be shared.
He confirmed he's visiting Washington in August. But he also intends to take all 5 official visits. This is a committed quarterback we're talking about. I don't know that I can recall another instance of that.
Rogers told me he's "still 100%" committed to Cal, but then proceeded to regurgitate the type of reasoning for taking trips that the other staffs pursuing him have surely put into his head:
- They're just free take free trips, not really about recruiting (running contrary to every other reason)
- He wants to make sure he does his homework and be positive that Cal is the right place for him.
- Doesn't want to burn bridges with coaches he's developed a relationship with
- Be prepared in case of an unforeseen coaching change at Cal
Obviously its very disappointing, because Rogers is, in my estimation, a phenomenal physical specimen and the loss from a talent perspective is a big one.He's a good kid. Smart and thoughtful. But something seemed pretty off. I think he's a guy that is influenced really easily based on what he shared. And honestly, the lack of equity or stake he seems to have in the class totally puzzles me. No ownership or real desire to invest in his future teammates from a recruiting perspective came off as really odd. Its a stark contrast to the camaraderie that seems to exist amongst the other commits. And now knowing how he's approaching his recruitment, I see why this was feeling like it's Max Gilliam's class.
Armani mentioned UW (obviously), Utah, and ASU as possible OV's. Cal is in there too, with a tentative unofficial slated for before the end of the summer and an OV as well. That is subject to change. Cal does not want Armani taking these trips. He knows that.
I think this commitment is destined to end in a parting of ways, probably before the fall. Feels like just a formality at this point. And I expect Cal to start kicking the tires on other QB options sooner than later.
This isn't rosy, but needed to be shared.
