Pick the School of Your Choice…For All the Right Reasons by Lauren Beasley
It’s amazing how high school sports’ recruiting has evolved over the years well at least it has evolved as far football and basketball. Student athletes now get interviewed like professional athletes, hold press conferences to announce their college decisions.
Some players make the right decision for the right reasons, others make the wrong decision for the wrong reasons and unfortunately over the years it seems more players make the wrong decision for the wrong reasons.
Due to those wrong decisions, players began to feel unhappy and regret their college decision which leads them to transferring.
Most who make the wrong decision, just don’t do their homework, they pick a college because the name or because of the jerseys or because they believe that their game is on higher level than it really is.
However I recently caught up with a young man who understands how to make a college decision and wants others to learn from him and his decision, a young man named DeJuan Rogers.
Some players make the right decision for the right reasons, others make the wrong decision for the wrong reasons and unfortunately over the years it seems more players make the wrong decision for the wrong reasons.
Due to those wrong decisions, players began to feel unhappy and regret their college decision which leads them to transferring.
Most who make the wrong decision, just don’t do their homework, they pick a college because the name or because of the jerseys or because they believe that their game is on higher level than it really is.
However I recently caught up with a young man who understands how to make a college decision and wants others to learn from him and his decision, a young man named DeJuan Rogers.
DeJuan Rogers is senior cornerback at Detroit Cass Tech High School.
Now Cass Tech football program is known for sending players to the next level and they have a hand full of alumni who played high level division 1 football or are currently playing high level division 1 level football. Rogers is currently committed to University of Toledo which is considered to be a mid-level division 1 school. He committed to Toledo back in June of 2012 and has never questioned his decision. “Toledo is just a great school.” Rogers said. “I love the academics, coaches, the players and the atmosphere of the school. Now at the time when Rogers committed to Toledo he had offers from Buffalo, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and Syracuse. “Toledo coaches were very persistent with me.” Rogers replied. “They constantly stayed in contact with me, treated me like family. I really enjoyed my visits, so after sitting down with my family I felt it was the best place for me academically and athletically.” Rogers will also get a chance to play immediately which is definitely a plus. “The coaches have told me they are looking for me to get on the field immediately.” Rogers said. “It’s great to know that coming in as a freshman that I have a chance to play and I plan to earn every minute I receive and give my all, like I have done my entire career.” Now keep in mind that Rogers committed early, he could have remained uncommitted and probably earn more offers but he didn’t feel the need to wait. “I felt like Toledo fit me but they also made it clear that they wanted me and made a point offer me early.” Rogers replied. “I have always felt if a school wants you they offer you and the ones who take the time to recruit and offer you, you should focus on. You shouldn't worry about who hasn't offered you.” Rogers said over the years he has received great advice from his teammates, coaches, family but one person made a huge impression, that person is Michigan sophomore cornerback Raymond Taylor. “Raymond always told me look at the school that fits you in every way, speaking academically, athletically and personally.” Rogers said. “He said pick a place that you will receive your chance to shine but will be challenged and ultimately pick a place that will give you the education and degree you want and need.” Rogers’s senior season at Cass Tech is already underway and his main focus along with the team is to bring another state championship to Cass Tech and the city of Detroit. Rogers says he looks forward to his future at Toledo. As of right now Rogers plans to major in either Criminal Justice or Sports Medicine. One thing is for sure, this young man has a bright future on and off the field and hopefully his story will have an impact on someone’s future. Remember pick the school of your choice...for the right reasons, I mean it’s only your future we are talking about here. |