Suspended Tennessee wide receiver Da’Rick is remaining in-state. The All-SEC performer is headed to Championship Subdivision program Tennessee Tech. SaturdayBlitz.com’s Brandon Folsom noted the following:
Rogers was suspended indefinitely on Thursday, eight days out from the Volunteers’ season opening match-up against NC State. Rogers led UT in all receiving categories a season ago. TTU ranked No. 53 in passing offense last season at a little over 216 yards per game, and returns starting quarterback Tre Lamb. The Golden Eagles lost leading wide Tim Benford, who is working for a roster spot with the Dallas Cowboys.
TTU won the Ohio Valley Conference championship last season and reached the FCS Playoffs, where the Golden Eagles lost to Central Arkansas (and former Arkansas quarterback Nathan Dick). Eastern Kentucky is the favorite to win this season’s OVC title, but adding a playmaker like Rogers completely changes the dynamic.
A hypothetical transfer is contingent on Rogers meeting NCAA qualifications for making a move. Moreover, Rogers would join a team literally days before it begins play, and has had weeks to establish chemistry internally. TTU opens the season Thursday against MEAC member Hampton. Tech faces D-II North Greenville in Week 2, which prompted the following from noted Volunteer State radio host and writer Clay Travis:
Da’Rick Rogers to Tennessee Tech. Here’s a guess: He’s a major match-up problem for North Greenville.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 27, 2012