photo courtesy of westhillsfootball.com
Fresno State over the years has seldom gone to the junior college ranks to help themselves on the recruiting trail.
Pat Hill rarely knocked on the doors of JC guys and asked if they wanted to become Bulldogs during his 15 seasons with the program.
With Hill gone, and Tim DeRuyter now in, the same question was actually asked when the new head coach was introduced to the Bulldog Foundation booster club back on Wednesday.
Even DeRuyter admitted that he had rarely gone to the junior college circuit for getting new players, regardless if he was at Ohio, Air Force, or even Texas A&M recently.
However, he did openly say that if it came down to it, junior college players can get considered.
With his first recruiting class coming up, as well as his intentions of wanting to “own the valley” and keeping the best players from going elsewhere in the central valley on the recruiting trail, maybe this time around, there could be a number of junior college guys locally who could stay home.
One of them is this linebacker/safety from West Hills down in Coalinga, who just completed his JC commitment and has expressed interest in Fresno State.
Here’s a closer look at Antonio Rodgers:
ANTONIO RODGERS, LB/SS, WEST HILLS COLLEGE, COALINGA, CA
HEIGHT: 6-FOOT-1
WEIGHT: 215
40-YARD DASH: 4.6
HIGH SCHOOL: NORTH MIAMI BEACH, MIAMI, FL
MAJOR: SPORTS MANAGEMENT
STRENGTHS: Just locate where the football is, and that’s where you will find him. Instincts are a huge plus. Follows where the football is going and can disrupt the play. His ability versus the pass is another main strength, especially with his versatility as a safety. Has fluid hips and can jump high enough to get interceptions or swat down passes. An active blitzer for the Falcons this past season from his strong side linebacker spot and also has pass rush skills. Even played some defensive end at high school and was an All-Dade County first team selection. A high-motor, versatile athlete who was never spotted taking a play off while on the field.
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Overall tackling technique will likely need to be fixed with his next team. Was caught out-of-position on certain plays and had to rely on wrestling a ball carrier down, or even shoving out-of-bounds. Was even caught coming off too high when bringing someone to the ground. Does tend to bite on plays. Might also need to refine hand technique when being called on for blitzes, rarely used the swim or rip move when facing blockers, but it was also because he mostly came in un-touched when rushing. Speed is solid, but will also have to improve that aspect of his game. May also need to add an additional 10-15 pounds to his frame if he is to play linebacker.
OVERALL: Rodgers is a hard-working, high motor guy. But, he’s not the complete package at linebacker just yet. With teams throwing the football a lot more in today’s college football, Rodgers can help a defense in search of ball hawks, because his biggest strength is his nose for the ball. He is very supportive in stopping the run, but again, improving his tackling is a must. For the most part though, his next team should love his hustle, his pass-defense, and his overall effort.
SCHOOLS OF INTEREST: Florida Atlantic, Florida International, South Alabama, Texas-San Antonio, Fresno State
HIGHLIGHT FILM: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1139408/
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