Rodgers likes B1G move

When Maryland announced the move to the Big Ten, nobody knew what the immediate implications and reactions would be. There have been positive and negative responses but Terrapin fans should be very happy to hear how Na'Ty Rodgers feels about the realignment.

"South Carolina and Maryland are now tied at the top of my list after the move to the Big Ten."

The Gamecocks had been Rodgers' top team for a few weeks but the offensive tackle from Pomfret (Md.) McDonough thinks being in the Big Ten could be good for him and the Terps.

"Maryland making that move to the Big Ten showed me that they want to play better competition, said the 6-foot-5, 278-pound Rodgers. "Obviously, it's not the SEC but it's a lot better competition. The big worry with Maryland was that I wasn't going to be playing against the best of the best. Now that they've moved to the Big Ten, it's definitely a step up from the ACC."

Rodgers and offensive tackle Derwin Gray, who is committed to the Terrapins, are very close and Rodgers has thought about playing with him at Maryland.

"Derwin and I would try to go in there and help the team," he said. "Of course, they have the freshman quarterback doing his best but hopefully we could help stop the quarterback injuries from happening.

"If I do end up going there, both of us would be a big help for, not only right now, but for the recruiting class to come," Rodgers explained. "Just like Stefon Diggs and Wes Brown last year and how it helped this year. When players have options to leave and don't it's good for recruiting."

What has kept South Carolina in the lead until now?

"Really when I look at South Carolina it's a great program," he said. "I like the place, the atmosphere and they have a great football team. I was there a few weeks ago and brought some of my family and they liked it."

Rodgers does not know when he will choose his school.