Nov 19, 2011; Knoxville,TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Da
Buffalo Bills rookie head coach Doug Marrone didn’t hold back when discussing former Vols wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers this weekend.
"Marrone: Either you’ve learned your lesson and you’ve grown up and you’re going to go forward and mature, or you haven’t learned your lesson and you’re going to be out on the street. It’s that simple. It’s all on you, and you have to make the right decisions."
It’s understandable that the Bills have that attitude towards Rogers. Anytime you invest time and money into a player that has a checkered past, you run the risk of getting burnt.
We’re seeing more and more how much character is important to teams. It especially shows in the case of Da’Rick Rogers. The Buffalo Bills had a 1st to 2nd round great on the former Vol, according to general manager Buddy Nix, who said of Rogers:
"The guy’s got tremendous talent, He’s made some bad decisions. It’s gotten him in trouble. … But this guy’s talented. He can play. The ball’s in his court."
Even though the Bills had such a high grade on him they felt his character issues outweighed his potential. (Take note young receivers)
I think Rogers understands his past transgressions, but playing in the NFL and playing at Tennessee Tech are two different monsters. He’ll face a lot of opportunities to make bad decisions.
If he can keep it together he’ll be one of the best stories of the year. If not, he’ll be out looking for work like disgruntled former Detroit Lions receiver Titus Young.
It’s all up to Rogers, the sky is definitely the limit for the talented wide receiver.
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