Camden Catholic's Rodgers makes his pick: Virginia Tech
There was the campus, the coaching staff, the future teammates. There was the tradition, the level of competition, the quality of education.
There was the campus, the coaching staff, the future teammates.
There was the tradition, the level of competition, the quality of education.
But there was something else that drew Tyree Rodgers to Virginia Tech.
"They have an unbelievable strength and conditioning program," Rodgers said. "They transform people into monsters."
Rodgers, a first-team, all-South Jersey selection from Camden Catholic, made the biggest news on Signing Day with his surprise decision to attend Virginia Tech.
In the Camden Catholic cafeteria on Wednesday morning, before dozens of students as well as parents, teachers and others, Rodgers sat at a table with a microphone in his hand and an orange Virginia Tech hat and a white Rutgers hat in front of him.
"For the next four to five years, I'm continuing my education at Virginia Tech," Rodgers said, putting the Hokies' hat on his head.
The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Rodgers had committed to Old Dominion, which projected him as a wide receiver, in August.
Rodgers was a star quarterback and defensive back the last two seasons for Camden Catholic. He led the Irish to a combined record of 17-3 as a junior and senior.
Rodgers said his world was sent into a whirlwind over the last 10 days with late offers from Rutgers, which was making a strong push for New Jersey athletes under new coach Chris Ash, and Virginia Tech.
"The last week, I was going back and forth every single day," Rodgers said of the choice between Rutgers and Virginia Tech. "It was very stressful. I couldn't decide."
Rodgers took an official visit to Virginia Tech on Jan. 27 and stayed at the school in Blacksburg, Va., for two days.
Rodgers said he developed a strong relationship with new Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente, the former head coach at Memphis, as well as some of the Hokies' assistant coaches.
"The coaches were a big part of it," Rodgers said of his decision. "I just felt really comfortable with them."
Rodgers, who lives in Camden, said Virginia Tech projects him as a cornerback.
"Physically, he's where the modern game is going," Camden Catholic coach Nick Strom said. "He's long. He's fast. He's got instincts, and he's got great hips. I'm kicking myself for not playing him at corner sooner [in his career]."
Rodgers has been compared by some analysts to former Eastern star Eli Apple, who played three seasons for Ohio State and has opted for the NFL draft. Apple is projected as a possible first-round pick.
Rodgers has heard the comparisons. He knows he's tall and thin and rangy and fast, just like Apple. He also knows to compete at the Division I level he likely will need to gain and maintain around 20 to 25 pounds.
He said Virginia Tech is the perfect place for that.
"I can't wait to get down there," Rodgers said. "It's the right place for me."
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