Rogers Establishes Himself as Top UW Freshman This Spring

The University of Washington's 13th spring football practice on Wednesday felt a lot like a festival rock concert. Recruits and full high school teams crowded the sidelines as if it was the big stage and sent out a steady murmur.

With recorded music playing in the background for much of the 150-minute session, Jalen McMillan represented the opening act by throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass to fellow wide receiver Rome Odunze that got everyone excited.

A couple of fights broke out, including a real nasty one that involved offensive guard Gaard Memmelaar, who appeared to be coming to the aid of freshman running back Tybo Rogers, and seemingly the entire defense. JC transfer cornerback Thaddeus Dixon landed some real haymaker punches while safety Dom Hampton spun Memmelaar around like a top.

Finally, Rogers, making plays all morning, provided an encore performance when he ran about 20 yards and loudly cracked helmets with cornerback Jaivion Green, sending everyone excitedly running up the sideline and calling out his name.

Earlier, he went 40 yards up the sideline to score after catching a Dylan Morris pass.

By far, Rogers has been the best of the Huskies' nine early arriving freshmen players in making the transition to the Pac-12 level of play.

"He's not going to back down, that's for sure," running-backs coach Lee Marks said. "He's obviously got to learn to pick and choose his battles a little bit. ... I would say the upperclassmen on defense are doing a good job getting Tybo ready for Saturday."

Running back Tybo Rogers has been the most ready to play of the UW's seven early arriving freshmen.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb swings a pad at Tybo Rogers in a drill designed to work on his balance.

Tybo Rogers stands with Husky tight ends while learning a blocking technique.

Tybo Rogers comes from Bakersfield, California, where he played for former UW running back Rashaan Shehee.

Tybo Rogers takes delicate steps in this spring football drill.

Tybo Rogers tightly clutches a football in Dempsey Indoor during a drill.

Tybo Rogers runs through a gauntlet of blocking pads meant to work on on his balance.

Tybo Rogers was the Huskies' first commitment in the Class of 2023 recruiting class.

Tybo Rogers has all the characteristics of a productive back, able to catch and run.

Tybo Rogers hopes to make No. 20 a familiar sight in Husky Stadium.

With a walk-through and a final spring scrimmage all that remains for the Huskies this spring, the following is an update on each of the freshmen:

Tybo Rogers

He shows a high aptitude for running and catching the ball, which is what offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb prefers for his high-octane offense. In the process, Rogers might have passed a number of veteran backs this spring.

Caleb Presley

The touted cornerback has gone through a steady indoctrination at this level, joining all of the corners in getting beat deep by Rome Odunze. There's no shame in that. Presley mostly has run with the third-team defense so far.

Deven Bryant

This somewhat compact linebacker from SoCal has drawn a few second-team reps while learning his position. Aggressive enough, he just needs to learn the responsibilities and nuances that come with his position.

Anthony James

The big Texan is going through his initiation period to college football, having to learn communications skills as an edge rusher. Yet at 6-foot-5 and 264 pounds and still growing, he still might become a down lineman.

Landen Hatchett

He's running as the No. 3 center, with the potential to get on the field in some capacity. At 6-foot-2 and 309 pounds, he's physically ready to play.

Zach Henning

A 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive tackle, this Colorado newcomer arrived with plenty of size for a freshman, the coaches like his work ethic and he's drawn a few second-team reps.

Diesel Gordon

The Texas safety joins a position group well-stocked with veteran players, so he's been able to learn the position at a comfortable pace, operating mostly with the third unit.

Jordan Whitney

Arriving at the same time with Bryant, this other California linebacker appears to be a step behind his classmate in his development and will need time to move up.

Elinneus Davis

This Minnesota defensive tackle enrolled early at the UW but an injury not spelled out has prevented him from practicing. He does have a massive frame.

Go to si.com/college/washington to read the latest Inside the Huskies stories — as soon as they’re published.

Not all stories are posted on the fan sites.

Find Inside the Huskies on Facebook by searching: Inside Huskies/FanNation at SI.com or https://www.facebook.com/dan.raley.12

Follow Dan Raley of Inside the Huskies on Twitter: @DanRaley1 or @UWFanNation or @DanRaley3

Have a question, direct message me on Facebook or Twitter.

Add us as a preferred source on Google