Can the Brother of Jacquizz Rodgers Inspire Oregon State?
How can a team replace their heart and soul, the player whom each and every offensive play focused on? How about with that player’s brother and athletic equal?
Famed Oregon State running back Quizz Rodgers just left college after his junior season for the green pastures of a newly reorganized NFL. He left his fellow Beavers in a bit of a hole in a competitive conference with little star power. Left behind on campus however is Jacquizz’s older brother James Rodgers, a man with the speed and name recognition to hopefully continue the family business.
While James is indeed the older sibling, going into his fifth season as a Beaver thanks to a medical redshirt, Jacquizz was the famous sibling. After following James to Oregon State, Quizz went on to rush for nearly 4,000 yards, made first team All-PAC 10 each season he played and won conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2008. He was also named AP third team All-American in 2008 and 2009. Standing at just 5’6”, Quizz was big man on campus.
By leaving school early, the play making will fall on the shoulders of James Rodgers, returning from a knee injury that ended his 2010 season. Not yet 100%, James must get back on the field in time for the season in order to lead the Beavers both inspirationally and by example. When healthy, he is a tremendous returner and talented wide receiver. Although receivers never have the opportunity to make the type of impact a running back typically does, James should have the chance to replace what his little brother meant to Oregon State football.
If he isn’t able to return to full strength in time or can’t produce at a level they need him to, there is little doubt it will be a long and arduous season for James Rodgers and Oregon State.
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