Will Rogers Addresses Quarterback Controversy Rumors, Spring Practice

At the start of a new era under head coach Zach Arnett, Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers weighed in on things after the first day of spring practice.

It's the dawn of a new era for Mississippi State football with Zach Arnett preparing for his first season as the Bulldogs' head coach, promoted from defensive coordinator after the tragic and unexpected passing of Mike Leach.

Spring camp kicked off earlier this week for MSU, with quarterback Will Rogers gearing up to take the field for his fourth season with the Bulldogs.

Acclimating to change is something all the players, including Rogers, have had to do.

"Yeah, they’ve done a really good job and they’ve got a great attitude about it and they’ve done everything the coach has asked them to do and that’s all you can ask for," Rogers said. "Spring’s the time where you’re trying to learn especially now with our new system we’re trying to learn our new system what's new and how to do it so all those guys are doing a really good job."

Although the team seems to be adjusting to the system changes, there's still the question of how last season's starting quarterback will perform. Rumblings of transfers and incoming freshmen have placed questions on Rogers' ability to keep his starting position.

Rogers' attitude toward the rumors is very hopeful and positive, though. His motivation and love for the game has kept his spirits up and he isn't concerned about what's brewing in the mill.

"I'm sure people are giving me the title like ‘assistant quarterback’ or things like that but at the end of the day you can play football or you can’t," Rogers said. "You know, it’s football. I don’t care what system you’re in either you can catch the ball or you can’t."

With a new system comes an open mind to learn. This is exactly where the team is at. During practice the team appeared rusty and still in the process of learning how to be under a new coaching style.

"I think the biggest learning curve for me has just been learning the plays and ‘what beats this’ versus 'this coverage' and you know just getting us in the right play offensively," Rogers said.

In addition to having to learn new systems and formations, there's also the aspect of building a good player-coach relationship and learning how to communicate well during the game. 

"He’s done a really good job and he’s kinda bought that same you know 'mojo' in defensive coordinator," Rogers said. "Kind of a fiery guy you know really gets after it, coaches hard you know and I think that if our whole team kinda got that attitude then we’re really gonna be a tough team to beat."

Arnett's toughness and drive for team progress is what really added to the team during the first practice. With the team building off of the tough presence Arnett brings onto the field, there's plenty of reason for optimism despite adjustments to be made.

"Because it is a lot more formations, a lot more shifts, a lot more motions, it is going to be a learning curve for some guys, but it’s day one so you can’t really judge a whole lot off of day 1 but you definitely have room to get better," Rogers said. “At the end of the day I’m a football player and I think I can make any system work.”