ROGERS — Dane Rogers cracked a smile when asked about increasing the stress levels of Rogers high football coach Shawn Flannigan and defensive coordinator Charlie Hesse.
At just 5-foot-9, 158-pounds, Rogers appears to be an undersized defensive back. Often, it looks like he is out of position with the opposing team’s receiver primed to make a big catch.
In reality, Rogers rarely gives up a big play while often making a pass deflection or tackle at the last second. And that has made the Mounties’ defense better.
“I just try to do the best I can,” he said. “When you are playing football against bigger players, you have to be fearless and tenacious. That is how I approach it.”
Rogers, a senior, may not look like an imposing defender, but what he lacks is size he makes up with tenacity, hard work and intelligence. In last week’s 41-6 victory against Tahlequah, Okla., he broke up two passes from a Tigers offense that managed just 38 yards passing after gaining 276 through the air the week before.
“On the sidelines, it looks like he is out of position, but to him he knows that he is OK,” Flannigan said. “It looks like he likes to stress the coaches out by appearing to be out of position, but Dane is getting it done. Very smart about the game. He is not as fast as a lot of corners in our league, and the receivers he is facing. But Dane is so intelligent that he puts himself into position to make a play.”
Rogers said being focused and playing hard every play has been the key to becoming a a starter on defense. He also said having classmate Zack Wary at safety is also a plus. Wary has several Division I scholarship offers and is the Mounties’ top playmaker on defense.
“Having Zack is helpful because if something goes wrong, he is our last resort,” Rogers said. “We all trust each other on defense and that has helped us.”
He didn’t play football as a sophomore, but has been a starter the past two seasons and is a key reason that the Mounties (2-0) are holding opponents just just 154 yards of offense a game this season. He has played for the Mounties’ soccer team the past two seasons, and that helped with overcoming not playing football two seasons ago.
“I missed it too much as a sophomore, and I knew I had to come back,” Rogers said. “I did remember a lot from my freshman year, and the coaches really helped me out. Playing soccer helps with my conditioning.”
Hesse said Rogers didn’t miss a beat despite not playing as a sophomore.
“Dane has bought into it and has has some athletic ability, some quickness,” Hesse said. “He can run with guys. If you look at him, you wonder if he can lead the secondary. But he sets the tempo and makes plays. Sometimes your heart comes up into your throat, but he comes up and makes a play.”
Rogers has been pleased with the team’s start this season, but the senior defensive back knows the Mounties face a tough challenge Friday when Fort Smith Northside visits Whitey Smith Stadium. Rogers has even been working overtime with fellow cornerback Jose Campos to prepare for the athletic Grizzlies.
“Northside throws a lot of short passes to let their players run and that means we have to tackle well,” Rogers said. “Myself and Jose are doing some stuff outside of practice, route reading and open field tackling to prepare us a little bit more.”
Profile
Dane Rogers
SCHOOL: Rogers High
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Defensive back
HEIGHT: 5-9
WEIGHT: 158
NOTABLE: Has two pass breakups in last week’s 41-6 win against Tahlequah, Okla. … Is a two-year starter despite not playing football as a sophomore. … Plays for the Mounties’ soccer team.