Sept. 1, 2010

One phone call not only changed the fortunes of the Oregon State football program over the last four years it changed the fortunes of many area youths and even OSU students.  That one phone call received by assistant football coach Danny Langsdorf was about a tip on a young man deep in the heart of Texas who was not being recruited by major college programs. 

That man is senior James Rodgers and he has forced Langsdorf and the rest of the coaching staff to change the offense to fit his game.  The flysweep is synonymous with Rodgers and is most remembered for his double overtime game-winning scamper against Oregon in the 2007 Civil War.  The speech communication major, who will graduate in December, will likely break several career records this fall

But, it’s much more than athletics for Rodgers.  He is a published poet, has done countless community service events on and off campus, and has been role model for many.  He is what epitomizes the term student-athlete and an individual who has made “Beaver Nation” proud.

The OSU Athletics Communications staff had a chance to sit down with the Rodgers, the initial everyday champion of the year, prior to the season to get his thoughts as he enters his last term of school.

Q. Who is James Rodgers?

A. “Outside football, James Rodgers is a person who likes to download music, work on my computer and watch ESPN.”

Q. When did you start playing football?

A. “I started when I was around six years old.  I loved the game right away.  I watched my uncle play in high school – Michael Lewis – who is now a safety with the 49ers.  Watching him play made me love the game even more.”

Q. How important is your uncle to you?

A. “He’s very important person in my life.  He always gives me pointers when he watches our games. I call him once a week at least and talk about football, but other things as well.”

Q. Are you a receiver, are you a running back or are you a returner?

A. “I’m pretty much all those things – I played running back in high school until `Quizz’ (Jacquizz Rodgers) came along and then I moved to receiver.  I guess the best way to put it is that I’m an athlete.”

Q. Describe your relationship with your brother – Jacquizz Rodgers?

A. “When we were younger we were very competitive – we would have to be on the same team otherwise we would have issues with each other. We’re still competitive, but we don’t have problems like we used to.  We try to push each other everyday.”

Q. Are you a role model?

A.  “If people view me as a role model I take that as a compliment.  I try to lead by example and hopefully people, especially kids, look up to me for guidance.”

Q. Is football the only thing in your life?

A. “Football is not the only thing in my life.  I like to play basketball, download music, shop – I like to do a lot of different things.”

Q. Describe your football experience at Oregon State?

A “It has been very positive.  When I stepped onto the field against Utah (2007) I remember thinking I have never played in front of such a big crowd.  My entire time here has been very memorable; just the family atmosphere within the program is something I will always cherish.”

Q. Did you have any issues moving so far from home to attend college?

A. “The first three months were stressful for me because I was so far away from my family.  But, once I got adjusted I really started to enjoy the school.  I love it here now.”

Q. What does it mean to you to have a scholarship?

A.  “It’s a big, big deal.  I came here to not only play football, but get an education.  I came to Oregon State University to get my degree and do something with my life; that’s what it is all about.”

Q. What do you hope to do with your speech communication degree?

A “I hope to do something in sports broadcasting, but if not that coaching really interests me.  I like interacting with people and that is what my degree will help me do.”

Q. Why have you been so involved in community service?

A. “I want to give back to the community.  A lot of people see us at games, but they really don’t get to know us.  It’s fun to see people with smiles on their faces when the team does a community event.”