Lawtez Rogers looks to find a role on a crowded defensive line in 2017

Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Last week, we focused on the offensive line; this week, we’re flipping sides of the ball and looking at the defensive line.

Lawtez Rogers, DL

Height: 6’4
Weight: 256 lbs.
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Greenbelt, Maryland
High school: Eleanor Roosevelt

How he got to College Park

Rogers committed to Maryland on Dec. 1, choosing the Terps over Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. He was a three-star recruit, the No. 71 strong-side defensive end in the nation and the No. 25 player in Maryland, per the 247Sports Composite.

He spent the past four years playing for Eleanor Roosevelt High School, which is just five miles from Maryland Stadium. The last player to from Eleanor Roosevelt to suit up for the Terps was Shawn Petty, who came in as a linebacker but started at quarterback the final four games of the 2012 season after every other quarterback had been injured.

2017 prospectus

Rogers looks like a player who has a knack for disrupting the backfield, but it will be much tougher for him to do that at the next level. He appeared to tower over most of the kids in his highlight video, and that won’t be the case in college. He could start out coming in on obvious passing downs and turn into an every-down player as he gets stronger.

Maryland will likely start four seniors on its defensive line, so Rogers shouldn’t expect a lot of action this year. Head coach DJ Durkin isn’t shy about letting freshman play, so if Rogers impresses the coaches, he may see the field.

Dream season

Rogers looks strong in summer practice, and sees some time as a reserve. He makes enough plays to be considered for a possible starting role in 2018 following the departures of Jesse Aniebonam and Chandler Burkett.

Up next

This sophomore from Massachusetts had four tackles against Ohio State last season.

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