A Diamond In the Rough
Josh has been a great leader for his Sun Devil team on and off the field during his time at Salem High School. Lots of colleges and universities have shown interest in this hard working linebacker, but Josh is still undecided...
Photo By Anthony Brown
By Sarah Fernheimer and Ben Sawyer
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - Joshua Rogers has been captain of the Salem Sundevils' football team for two seasons, but he has been practicing for this role his entire life. Having five younger brothers, Joshua imparts the same qualities on his teammates - teamwork, sportsmanship, and hard work - that he has on his brothers for years. Senior, Joshua Rogers, is a captain who leads by example, playing both sides of the ball, with the level of intensity to inspire.
Influenced by his father, J.R. has been a fan of football his entire life. However, he did not begin perfecting his unvanquished skills until he joined his middle school football team. Considering that most kids begin playing pee-wee football at age 5 or 6, J.R's rise to an elite football talent in such a short time span is even more impressive. What allowed J.R. to learn the game so quickly you may ask, he would say hard work, while his family or friends would say he is a natural athlete...most likely a lethal combination of both!
As a senior, J.R. is captain, starting linebacker, and starting tight end. However, getting to where he is today was not an easy path as he used his years as an underclassman to develop mentally and physically. He began his high school career on the offensive and defensive line developing a foundation in blocking, tackling, and good old-fashioned power football. Off the field, J.R. added to his performance ability by contributing as an outstanding addition to the Sundevils' track and field team. This allowed him to develop the quickness and agility that proved key in his transformation to linebacker and tight end. It does not end there because if not on the football field or track, J.R. is likely to be in the gym building the strength needed to develop the intimidating presence he takes onto the football field. It is this hard work the enables him to make the key plays and clutch decisions that his teammates, coaches, and fans have come to expect.
Josh's explosive aggressiveness and determination are the extra spark that coaches dream of in a defensive player. Salem High School's defensive coordinator, Vincent Pugh, says "Josh Rogers is our defensive leader in almost every category...when he's on, we're on." J.R.'s success as a defenseman, highlighted in his inclusion as a First Team All Beach District Linebacker and ranked #26 of Tidewaters Top 50 recruits, is a result of the high expectations that he sets for himself. He works harder every practice and every game to ensure that he is around the ball on each snap by his opposing team.
Not only does J.R. shine on the defensive side, he dominates opponents by making key blocks and running smart routes as a tight end. He is a constant attribute to the offense. Like many tight ends at the next level, J.R. is considered the security blanket of the offense. Whenever quarterback, Jason Walker, is feeling pressure he knows his captain will find enough open space for the completion and first down. Whether he's asked to pancake his opponents or called upon to make a big catch, his coaches can always rely on their captain to make the big play at the key moment of the game.
J.R. has far surpassed expectations his senior year. He has affected all aspects of the game with his impressive accomplishments. He has made his presence known on the offense with an average of 2-4 catches a game along with 2-4 rushes a game from the fullback position. His defensive stats are even more tremendous - an average of 1 sack and 6-12 tackles per game as well as 4 strips that caused a fumble, 2 blocked passes, and 2 blocked kicks. Being looked at by East Carolina, Marshall, New Hampshire, and Virginia Tech, J.R. has a promising future ahead of him, and he uses that as motivation to keep working and maintain a positive attitude throughout Salem's tough season.
Check out more highlights of Josh at his webiste www.joshuarogers.me
