South Carolina Gamecocks football 2014 roster preview: Na'Ty Rodgers

Na'Ty Rodgers
RS freshman
6'5'' / 289 lbs
Waldorf, MD

Recruitment:
Consensus high three-star prospect and four-star according to 247 Sports and Rivals, consensus 33rd OT nationally

Other major offers:
Arizona St., Arkansas, Clemson, Colorado, Florida, Florida St., Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, N.C. State, Oklahoma, Pitt, Rutgers, Tennessee, UCLA, Southern Cal, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia

College Career:
After choosing Carolina over in-state Maryland, Na'Ty Rodgers impressed the coaches in his first fall camp. He played a little bit against Arkansas after an injury to Ronald Patrick, but didn't play after that. He was granted a medical redshirt after injuring his thumb (wink, wink) and still has four years of eligibility remaining.

2014 Outlook:
Heading into the spring, Rodgers was considered the front-runner to replace Ronald Patrick as the starting right guard. However, during an uneven spring in which Rodgers struggled off-field with academics and a disorderly conduct arrest, he was passed on the depth chart by Mike Matulis, who moved inside from tackle and impressed Shawn Elliott in the new role. Rodgers remains a contender for the spot, though, where it still isn't clear who will start against Texas A&M.

Trivia:
Na'Ty's father played college football at Oklahoma and Washington.

Beat writer's terrible double-meaning lede:
"Georgia's defensive line wished Na'Ty Rodgers was more like Mr. Rogers after the freshman offensive guard made some unneighborly hits while opening holes for Mike Davis."