Dane Rogers (6’3, 235, 4.8 40) from Crest HS in Shelby NC committed to Clemson today over offers from Tennessee, NC and NC State. He had been getting interest from several others, including SC, Auburn and Florida. He played opposite Jonathan Bullard last season at Crest and has been hoping for a Florida offer. He’s rated a 3-star end by the services, and I think this is pretty accurate. I think his 4-star ESPN rating might be a bit high for his measurables at the UA Combine.
The first thing that I’d say about Rogers is that he’s a raw talent, and more of a project End that needs work. His first step is pretty good and his motor runs, but his pad level is way too high. His hand usage is good. If his pads would come down, his strength would register a lot more sacks for him at Crest. He looks a lot like Shaq Lawson to me. I would expect him to redshirt a year before seeing major PT.
With this commitment, Clemson could call it a day at DE. We expected to take 3 total commits and this would do it. With DeMarcus Walker skipping camp for Alabama "orientation", it seems like he’s gone, but I would continue to recruit him in case one of these players flips. I’d still pursue Tyquan Lewis as well, even though we’ve fallen back after his trip to Ohio State. I do not have a good feeling about continuing to push for Greg Gilmore, but we are in his top 5 (at the bottom), and similarly for Lewis Neal. We’ve seen Clemson back off early and get bitten in the past, and the oversigns left on the radar now would be worth pursuing until winter.
Dane was recruited by Dan Brooks and is the cousin of signee Carlos Watkins.