Ex-Tigers star Rogers says study playbook

Cornerback shares how he was able to play as a freshman.

As the Tigers prepared to face then-No. 1 Georgia in Jordan-Hare Stadium in November, Auburn first honored Carlos Rogers, the program’s 2017 SEC Legend.

Rogers arrived at Auburn in 2001 and quickly became a starter.

By the end of his four years, he had helped the Tigers to a 13-0 season and earned a Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back. During his career, the Augusta, Ga., native started 44 games, recorded 182 tackles, deflected 40 passes and had seven interceptions.

After leaving the Plains, Rogers was the Washington Redskins’ first-round pick (ninth overall) before spending the next decade in the NFL. To Rogers, playing as a freshman — which is the goal of Smoke Monday and other standout Auburn newcomers — is pretty simple, and requires a few important things.

“For me, as a freshman coming in, it was more just trying to get in there and learn as much as you can from coaches and small stuff from other players,” Rogers said. “That was my whole thing. I came in early, too. I had to get in that playbook as fast as I could. I got with my DB coaches and learned as much as I could from that playbook.”

In his recruiting days, Rogers bonded with Tavaris Robinson on his official visit to Auburn and stayed close to him after arriving on campus early. Then a junior, Robinson was a big part of why Rogers was able to solidify a starting spot.

It didn’t take Rogers long to realize he was no longer in high school. There was no taking plays off or relaxing like top high school players might. Everyone in the SEC, everyone around him, was good.

So the next step was mastering the playbook as fast as possible so that things started coming naturally. At first, Rogers said, defensive players are learning so much about the new expectations on defense they don’t immediately study the offensive side of things. That allowed him to play as a freshman.

“The quicker he gets into that playbook and learns, it’s going to help him play faster instead of thinking about, ‘OK, what do I have to do when I call this play,’” Rogers said. “Once the play comes in, get to your side, get to your spot, just make calls and play, instead of thinking on the run.”

Auburn’s current newcomers, including Monday, Christian Tutt and Jamien Sherwood, have earned praise in their short time with their new team. Monday reportedly had a pick in one of the Tigers’ spring scrimmages and Sherwood totaled 5 tackles in the A-Day game. Remaining humble was key for Rogers but being confident eventually helped him make an impact during his first year.

“Oh yeah, their confidence will help them,” Rogers said. “Once you know what you have to do, you can study more offenses and you can see plays coming before they line up or once they make a movement. That allows you to free up and use your speed. If he’s that fast, he can anticipate run plays and pass routes. Confidence will only build up.”