University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Get To Know: Gabriel Rogers
Oct 22, 2020 | Football
Junior college transfer burst on the scene last season with his 99-yard kick return for a touchdown vs. Navy.
Twelve. Point. Six-Five. Seconds. That's all the time it took to introduce Gabriel Rogers to the Tiger Nation faithful in 2019.
That's how long it took for Rogers to place his name in the Memphis football record book in the Sept. 26, 2019, match-up against American Athletic Conference foe Navy. The Midshipmen had just increased their lead to 20-7 midway through the second quarter when lightning – well, Rogers – struck.
Taking the ensuing kickoff at the UofM 1-yard line, Rogers found a crease and dashed up the Navy sideline 99 yards for a touchdown to immediately cut the Mids' lead to 20-14. Rogers' 99-yard kick return is tied for the fourth-longest in Memphis football history, only behind Tony Pollard's three 100-yard returns.
"The plan was for me to play the first four games and redshirt," said Rogers, who returned several kickoffs for scores in high school. "The Navy game was my fourth game, so it was my last chance to make something happen. The team needed me, and I was in the right place at the right time."
Indeed he was, and then Rogers did not play the remainder of 2019 because of his redshirt.
So, the 2020 season opened and Tigers fans were ready to see Rogers explode again. However, those in attendance and watching on television had to "find" Rogers. The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back/kick returner had switched numbers just prior to the Sept. 5 game versus Arkansas State. Rogers, who wore No. 18 a season ago, now was sporting the No. 12 jersey.
"Tahj (Washington) wears No. 18 on offense, but we both were going to play on kick return," Rogers explained. "We had to see which one was going to change, so I just chose to change mine to No. 12."
Rogers also is looking to gain some time on the field at his other position: defensive back. He moved to the secondary his sophomore season at Jones County Community College after spending time at wide receiver as a freshman.
"I have to know my assignment on each play," said Rogers, who posted 18 tackles, three pass breakups and one interception as a defensive back in junior college. "That will help me get on the field. I just need to trust my coaches and play my role.
"I've been focusing on my footwork. I have the speed, but I need to control my feet, learning to stop and start so I don't stumble."
Let's learn more about Rogers off the field:
I started playing football …At the age of nine. I played quarterback, and it was mostly an option offense. But I could throw it a little bit too. Playing in an option offense helped me to be quick on my feet.
When I'm not at practice, I'm …studying at home and trying to keep my grades up.
#1 thing on my bucket list is …To travel and explore the world.
A hashtag the best describes me is …#Nonchalant.
If I had a super power, it would be …To be invisible.
If I didn't play football, I would play …Baseball. It's actually the sport I'm best at. I didn't like playing it because it's such a long game. I was a pitcher and also played catcher. I played with travel teams and in all-star games.
My Favorite Things
Meal mom cooks … Macaroni & cheese and fried chicken 🍗
TV show as a kid … Tom & Jerry
Toy as a kid … 18-wheeler trucks 🚚
Sports team … New England Patriots
Athlete … A.J. Brown (I played against him)
Color … Blue 🔵
Candy … Life Savers 🍬
Midnight snack … Chips
Holiday … Thanksgiving 🦃
That's how long it took for Rogers to place his name in the Memphis football record book in the Sept. 26, 2019, match-up against American Athletic Conference foe Navy. The Midshipmen had just increased their lead to 20-7 midway through the second quarter when lightning – well, Rogers – struck.
Taking the ensuing kickoff at the UofM 1-yard line, Rogers found a crease and dashed up the Navy sideline 99 yards for a touchdown to immediately cut the Mids' lead to 20-14. Rogers' 99-yard kick return is tied for the fourth-longest in Memphis football history, only behind Tony Pollard's three 100-yard returns.
"The plan was for me to play the first four games and redshirt," said Rogers, who returned several kickoffs for scores in high school. "The Navy game was my fourth game, so it was my last chance to make something happen. The team needed me, and I was in the right place at the right time."
Indeed he was, and then Rogers did not play the remainder of 2019 because of his redshirt.
So, the 2020 season opened and Tigers fans were ready to see Rogers explode again. However, those in attendance and watching on television had to "find" Rogers. The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back/kick returner had switched numbers just prior to the Sept. 5 game versus Arkansas State. Rogers, who wore No. 18 a season ago, now was sporting the No. 12 jersey.
"Tahj (Washington) wears No. 18 on offense, but we both were going to play on kick return," Rogers explained. "We had to see which one was going to change, so I just chose to change mine to No. 12."
Rogers also is looking to gain some time on the field at his other position: defensive back. He moved to the secondary his sophomore season at Jones County Community College after spending time at wide receiver as a freshman.
"I have to know my assignment on each play," said Rogers, who posted 18 tackles, three pass breakups and one interception as a defensive back in junior college. "That will help me get on the field. I just need to trust my coaches and play my role.
"I've been focusing on my footwork. I have the speed, but I need to control my feet, learning to stop and start so I don't stumble."
Let's learn more about Rogers off the field:
I started playing football …At the age of nine. I played quarterback, and it was mostly an option offense. But I could throw it a little bit too. Playing in an option offense helped me to be quick on my feet.
When I'm not at practice, I'm …studying at home and trying to keep my grades up.
#1 thing on my bucket list is …To travel and explore the world.
A hashtag the best describes me is …#Nonchalant.
If I had a super power, it would be …To be invisible.
If I didn't play football, I would play …Baseball. It's actually the sport I'm best at. I didn't like playing it because it's such a long game. I was a pitcher and also played catcher. I played with travel teams and in all-star games.
My Favorite Things
Meal mom cooks … Macaroni & cheese and fried chicken 🍗
TV show as a kid … Tom & Jerry
Toy as a kid … 18-wheeler trucks 🚚
Sports team … New England Patriots
Athlete … A.J. Brown (I played against him)
Color … Blue 🔵
Candy … Life Savers 🍬
Midnight snack … Chips
Holiday … Thanksgiving 🦃
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
DB
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