2013 end Rogers sees interest pick up

Shelby (N.C.) Crest 2013 defensive end Dane Rogers has yet to pick up an offer. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder is getting quite a bit of interest though from colleges across the country.

"I haven't gotten any offers yet, but the interest is great," he said. "I get a lot of interest from Clemson, Duke and lots of letters from Florida, Louisville, Alabama, Tennessee, Miami, Oregon, NC State, North Carolina, Purdue, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M and Florida State.

"They all just are checking up on me seeing where I stand. They tell me they are coming in next year and to keep in touch."

Obviously lots of schools are aware of Rogers, does he like anyone?

"As far as my recruitment goes, I like a lot of schools, not one particular school," he said. "I know for a fact I like Clemson and Florida. Brandon Spikes used to play at my school and I enjoyed watching him play at Florida. I was also thinking about checking out Miami.

"I've been to two Clemson games too. They are close to home and a good team. They have a good football program. Also, my cousin, Carlos Watkins just committed there a couple months ago."

Is that important?

"It's pretty big," he said. "We're from a small town and that would be somebody I'd recognize. Playing together on the same team would be great."

As interest rises, Rogers is looking for a few things in a college.

"I just want academics first, I've got to have that," he said. "As far as the coaches, I have to have a good nice bond with them. I want to get along with them and have good teammates. I want to have a college I can fit in at."

Rogers earned all-conference honors as a junior while posted five sacks.

"The season was outstanding, it was my best season I've ever had since starting varsity," he said. "I would have to say what really stuck out was my fire coming off the ball. I got off the ball so quick, my speed and quickness really showed. I've just got improve on redirecting. I could have had way more sacks."