What Expectations Should Be Placed on Mississippi State QB Will Rogers Ahead of 2023 Season?
Will Rogers is returning for another season with Mississippi State after leading the Bulldogs to a 9-4 overall record and a ReliaQuest Bowl win last year.
The 6-foot-2 quarterback from Brandon, Mississippi, looks to lead his team to another winning season while boosting his stock for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rogers had a down year in 2022 in comparison to his outstanding sophomore season. He had almost 1,000 fewer passing yards and 100 fewer passing attempts in his junior year, but his senior campaign still has the potential to be his best year yet.
Rogers still possesses above-average accuracy with his ball placement at a near 70-percent completion percentage, but many people question his pocket awareness and his mobility as a quarterback.
In Mississippi State's first season under head coach Zach Arnett following the passing of former coach Mike Leach, there are questions about the type of offense that will be run. The Bulldogs used the iconic "Air Raid" offense during Leach's tenure. Rogers will undoubtedly have to start using his legs more, especially to escape situations that can be avoided. He is not considered a dual-threat quarterback, but he appeared to take steps to improve his running game in the final few games of the 2022 season.
The expectations for Rogers should be continued growth in his game, especially with his pocket awareness. His mobility will likely improve with each game. Another major boost for Rogers will be the return of wide receiver and kick returner Tulu Griffin, who has grown into a Devin Hester-type talent on special teams.
Until Rogers leaves, there will not be a massive overhaul of the schemes and plays. Fans should still expect a little bit of the Air Raid offense and a high completion percentage around or above 70 percent with great ball placement, fewer errors and a few more rushing first downs or touchdowns.
