Kentucky Football Countdown: No. 52 Justin Rogers

Approaching the start of the 2022 season, we are now 52 days away from kickoff against Miami, Oh. It will be a highly-anticipated game for one player in particular, No. 52 Justin Rogers.

About Rogers

Prior to Kiyaunta Goodwin‘s commitment in December, Rogers was the highest-ranked player to sign with the University of Kentucky in the internet era of recruiting rankings. A five-star prospect, he was the second-ranked defensive lineman and No. 16 player in America, according to Rivals.

From Detroit, he received a scholarship offer from Steve Clinkscale when he was in middle school. A teammate of Marquan McCall‘s at Oak Park High School, he starred on the offensive and defensive line. While many wanted him to play on offense, he chose to suit up for the Wildcats’ defense over Georgia, LSU, Michigan and Tennessee.

Rogers Career Highlight

Despite starting his career behind a pair of NFL players, McCall and Quinton Bohanna, Rogers has received significant reps at nose guard during his first two years in Lexington. As a true freshman he played in seven games, totaling nine tackles and a TFL. Filling in for the injured McCall, he started in four games in 2021. He totaled 16 tackles, 2.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks. Kentucky’s coaches could hardly contain McCall on the sideline when his old friend recorded his first career sack, a nine-yard loss at Vanderbilt.

Justin Rogers Fun Fact

Love something as much as Justin Rogers loves his dog, Chewy. The two have been inseparable since Chewy was a pup, producing the most adorable content in the Commonwealth. He’s even trained Chewy to make plays on the gridiron. The lates installment of Air Bud is going to be the best yet.

Most aggressive Bulldog you’ll ever meet 😂 I need to get him his own league pic.twitter.com/d20Ththwyu

— Justin Rogers (@AllAmerican52JR) June 30, 2022

Happy First Birthday to my road dog🤟🏽 I can’t believe he’s so big no. I remember when he was a baby, we could sneak him into hotels with us😂 now he looks like a pig🤦🏽‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/P8de4fNFRQ

— Justin Rogers (@AllAmerican52JR) April 30, 2022

Chewy wants to know did y’all miss him? pic.twitter.com/hmDc6wjcRP

— Justin Rogers (@AllAmerican52JR) May 29, 2022

2022 Forecast

Five-star prospects carry heavy expectations on their shoulders, expectations his position coach, Anwar Stewart, have tried to temper since he arrived in Lexington. Rogers required hip surgery early in his career, slowing his progress. He also plays a position that has one of the steepest learning curves on the field.

After pumping the brakes for two years, it’s all gas in 2022. Fortunately for Rogers, he doesn’t have to do it all by himself. Josaih Hayes, a former four-star prospect, will split time with Rogers at nose. The competition will prevent complacency from setting in. Each player brings something a little bit different to the table. Rogers is a run-stuffing specialist, while Hayes has a little more wiggle. It’s up to Rogers to consistently bring it everyday in fall camp to add more explosiveness to his arsenal for the 2022 campaign.