West Virginia lands Cali comet
It didn't take class of 2007 running back Mark Rodgers (5-9, 180, 4.35) long to find a school to his liking once he received his release from Portland State, the college he signed with when his high school football days were over at Lawndale (Calif.) Leuzinger.
"Mark just signed the papers and sent them into West Virginia," Leuzinger coach in charge of recruiting Ralph Oliver said. "With West Virginia has a better chance for earlier playing time and a chance to play in a BCS Bowl game.
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"Mark was enthused by the Washington State offer, but the opportunity for early playing time was too much for him to pass up," Oliver said. "West Virginia only has a few running backs on scholarship.
"With West Virginia, Mark will have an opportunity to play on a big stage," Oliver said. "I'm not sure, but I think West Virginia has made it to five straight BCS bowl games.
"One West Virginia coach said that by landing Mark it was like robbing a bank," Oliver said. "He said that because he is getting a player who rushed for over 4,500 yards and scored 50 touchdowns his last two years of high school.
"Mark reminded West Virginia assistant coach Doc Holiday of Florida standout, Percy Harvin," Oliver said. "Coach Holiday recruited Harvin for Florida.
"West Virginia is a good fit for Mark because he wants to play against the best and he feels he has that opportunity now."
The Mountaineers in Rodgers, gets a guy with blazing speed. He runs the 100-meters in 10.57 and took fourth in the state meet as a senior.
Though he's a speedster he can run between the tackles,. Rodgers is very versatile. He has outstanding hands and is excellent lining up in the slot.
Rodgers was an all-state performer as a senior in 2006 after rushing for 2,319 yards and 19 touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for 2,236 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also played cornerback on defense.