Rocket Spotlight on...Devan Rogers

Senior Devan Rogers is in his second season as the team's starting center after playing four seasons on the defensive line. He made the switch in the 2022 preseason following multiple injuries to the offensive line. A native of Sydney, Ohio, Rogers earned his bachelor's degree in media communications in 2022 and is currently working on his MBA.

On why he switched from defensive line to offensive line in 2022
I dealt with injuries during the entire 2021 season so my entire mindset going into the 2022 season was to get my position back on the defensive line. I worked very hard, and I deserved my spot but the coaches thought that wasn't in the best interest of the team. We were dealing with a lot of injuries on the offensive line so the coaches suggested switching me to the offensive line. They ultimately left the decision up to me. I gave it a try, and the coaches loved what they saw. I stuck with it and just poured everything I had into my new position.

On the challenges of switching positions so late in his college career
I forgot about what I wanted and flipped my mindset to focus on what the team needed, which was a center. It took me a couple days to think about it. At first I said I was going to think about it and talk with my family. I wanted to think about what the team needed. I'm a man of God so I talked to him about it and he showed me that this was my opportunity to get more playing time. This is what the team needed and I wanted to give it my all. I had never played center before. I've played a little bit of fullback, offensive tackle and guard in high school, but never center, so this was quite new to me.

On his recruitment to Toledo
I'm from Sydney, Ohio. It's a very small town so getting recruited was very tough. Not a lot of coaches come through there. I had to travel from state to state to try and get some type of recognition. My mindset in the offseason was to just work hard and eventually the exposure would follow. I was blessed enough to receive an offer from Toledo. I had great relationships with everyone here throughout the recruiting process, and the rest is history.

On the support of his family
I grew up with both of my parents and my two siblings, my brother Donovan and Raven, my sister. We grew up tough. We didn't have a lot of money. Things weren't handed to us and getting opportunities was a struggle. I'm lucky to have two loving parents who have supported me every step of the way. If I ever needed something they would always be there to help me. My brother is my best friend. He is the person I always go to for advice. He's a fantastic father to my nephews and my oldest niece. They do their best to come to every home game. They can't usually make it to away games but they do their best to support me as much as they can.

On his educational goals
I will get my MBA next spring. I plan on finishing out this semester to see how many credits I have left. I've talked to a few of the coaches and there is a possibility that I may come back to help out around the facilities and be a grad assistant. That's an opportunity to come back here in the spring and finish up my MBA.

On his plans after his football playing days are over
I've definitely been thinking about this, especially this past year. I may go back home, or to a different city and be a GA somewhere. I definitely want to stay in sports and be a coach somewhere. I have great friends who are coaching back home at the middle-school level and they are doing a fantastic job. I know a couple of guys coaching at the high-school level as well. It's really about where the opportunity is given to me. I'm going to take it head on.

On his gratitude to his mentors and paying it forward
I had a lot of mentors growing up who poured a lot into me, and also the guys who were close in age to me who taught me a lot. So I feel I have enough knowledge to give back to young people who are playing sports.

Players Mentioned

Devan Rogers

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