Will Rogers keeping options open and Washington is still in play

Will Rogers was Kalen DeBoer's succession plan at quarterback, but Jedd Fisch's plan may look a lot different. Rogers is back in the transfer portal, but keeping every option on the table, including the Huskies.

By Josh Yourish | Jan 16, 2024, 7:55 AM PST

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

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Alabama Crimson Tide. . 4. . 523. . . Head Coach: Kalen DeBoer. .

I never understood the fit with Rogers in Kalen DeBoer's offense. DeBoer’s scheme worked best with Michael Penix Jr. who had the strongest and most accurate arm in the entire country last season. Rogers is a completely different quarterback.

In 2023, Rogers’ average depth of target was 7.6 yards downfield, and Penix was at a staggering 10.7. This past year, 21% of Penix’s throws traveled over 20 yards downfield, and he completed 43.6% of those attempts for 1,787 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Rogers attempted just 12.2% of his throws over 20 yards and completed 34.5% for 349 yards and four touchdowns. Even in 2021, when Rogers threw for nearly 5,000 yards, just 7.8% of his passes were deep and those throws only accounted for 691 yards.

Still, Rogers and DeBoer saw something in each other. The two wanted to connect in Seattle, so why not head to Tuscaloosa together? Well, Jalen Milroe is a big reason it may not be a great idea. Milroe's an athletic QB with a huge arm that DeBoer and his longtime offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will love.

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