Defensive lineman Justin Rogers had 36 tackles last year but is now apparently entering the transfer portal. (UK Athletics Photo)
The transfer portal has been kind to Kentucky football but coach Mark Stoops may finally be losing one player that could have made a significant contribution again next season.
247 Sports’ Steve Wiltfong reported Tuesday that UK defensive tackle Justin Rogers had filed to enter the transfer portal after hinting that he might do that a few weeks ago. Rogers played in the Music City Bowl but now apparently is ready to move on.
He was the fourth highest ranked high school recruit who had ever signed with Kentucky when the Wildcats persuaded him to leave Michigan for the Bluegrass in 2020. He was the No. 1 player in Michigan and ranked as the nation’s 52nd best overall player by 247 Sports.
“For a while felt like (NFL) draft was more likely than transfer. He played at a high level this year, best football of his career. (Jamarius) Dinkins could be a real steal & can be a good player. May need a transfer for depth,” Rivals.com’s Justin Rowland tweeted Tuesday.
Some thought Rogers would make a huge immediate impact at UK. He played in seven games in 2020 with nine tackles. He played in all 13 games in 2021 with 16 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 quarterback sacks.
Last season he had 36 tackles, including nine against Vanderbilt and six against No. 1 Georgia.
Stoops said Rogers had flown under the radar most of the season but had matured into a much better player.
“No sugar coating that losing Justin Rogers is significant for UK. At the moment it changes the defensive outlook for next season and now the Cats will need to hit the (transfer) portal.” Kentucky radio host TJ Walker tweeted.
The Cats should return all-SEC freshman Deone Walker to anchor the 2023 defensive line. Also back will be Octavious Oxendine, Josaih Hayes and Dinkins.
Kentucky has now had receivers Chauncey Magwood, Chris Lewis, DeMarcus Harris, Rahsaan Lewis and Tae Tae Crumes along with running backs Kavosiey Smoke and Michael Drennen, tight end Keaton Upshaw, and linemen John Young and Kiyaunta Goodwin off the offense along with defensive back Adrian Huey.
“UK has been very fortunate to add a lot more than it has lost in the portal in recent years,” Rowland tweeted. “This is a reminder that it won’t always be a one-way street for anybody.”
No, but even losing a talented player like Rogers, UK did very well with the six transfers it has signed and while Rogers will be missed, I think UK’s defense is deep enough and talented enough to handle the loss.
2 Responses
Rogers will be a big time loss for this football team. How come he wants to leave is my question.
Believe he feels he should be a bigger star and earn more money