Rogers has big plans

Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic running back Brad Rogers has a special present planned for his father's birthday on April 28.

That present, you ask?

"I'm planning on committing to Iowa on April 28th," Rogers, who is 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds, said. "That's my father's birthday, and I want to give him an extra special present."

Not only will it be a present for dad, it'll be a big get for the Hawkeyes, too.

Rogers is a big, bruising back that should fit what Iowa wants from its running backs. Rogers said the early offer from Iowa quickly pushed the Hawks to the top of his list, and he feels he can come in and compete quickly.

"My style fits there," he said. "Right now they have only one scholarship running back, and they're bringing in two in this year's class. By the time I get there, I would be competing with two juniors, and I would be the biggest back. They're all 200 pounds and under.

Rogers, who rushed for 634 yards and 12 scores in 2007, said other schools like Indiana, Michigan, Northwestern, Ohio State, Bowling Green and Toledo remain in pursuit, but it's going to have to take a lot to get him to change his mind.

This spring Rogers is staying busy with track and lifting. He's throwing shot put and discus and when he's not in track practice he's busy lifting and running for football.

"I have big goals for my senior season," he said. "The first thing that comes to mind is winning a fourth straight city championship. Then the next goal is to win state and then after that is to get 1,000-plus yards on the season. We won three straight city titles and won state in 2005. I want to get that feeling again."