Baggett Calls Da’Rick Rogers Smartest WR He’s Coached Besides Cris Carter

Dec 8, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Da

Da’Rick Rogers finally got his chance to shine last Sunday in the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Rogers broke out for 107 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions, including a 69 yard touchdown reception.

We all knew Rogers was an extremely talented wide receiver, but the complement he received from his wide receivers coach at Tennessee, Charlie Baggett, is about as high as the praise can get for the former Vol.

From ESPN.COM

"“He’s the smartest football player I’ve ever coached besides Cris Carter,” Baggett said. “Cris Carter was the smartest as far as studying and knowing game and understanding the game. If Da’Rick learns to study the game, he’ll be the smartest football player on the Colts.”"

That’s a pretty impressive name to be compared to, no matter who you are.

Carter, an eight-time Pro-Bowler and 2013 Hall of Fame inductee, is one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of football.

It’d be a HUGE stretch to even insinuate that Rogers will come anywhere close to that kind of success,  but the talent is at least there.

However, as we all know, talent is only half of the equation. Hard work — outworking those around you — is what separates great talent from future hall of famers.

Rogers may have the football intelligence to succeed, but does he have the desire to immerse himself in the game and demand of himself to get better every single day.

Ultimately, it’s way too early to tell what kind of career Rogers will have.

He has the unfortunate ability to throw it all away at the snap of a finger with poor decisions.

The fact that he’s made an impact on the field is a positive sign. That’s something that nearly every NFL team in the league didn’t think was possible, considering they were unwilling to take a chance on a talented, but troubled, young wide receiver.

Rogers has a long way to go, but he’s already started proving his doubters wrong.

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