This feature on linebacker Derrick Rodgers appeared in the State Press, Arizona State University’s student newspaper, on September 12, 1997.
MR. RODGERS’ NEW NEIGHBORHOOD
Ex-ASU player impressive during rookie NFL season
By Ed Odeven
STATE PRESS
Davie, Fla. — Former ASU football star Derrick Rodgers knows a challenge when he sees one.
Facing the two-time defending NCAA champion Nebraska Cornhuskers was a major test.
Moving from rush end in college to weak-side pass rush linebacker in the NFL was the next big hurdle he crossed.
Now, Rodgers and the Miami Dolphins must go to famed Lambeau Field in Green Bay to play the reigning Super Bowl champs.
This is “a chance for the Dolphins to prove to themselves that we’re not a flash-in-the-pan type team,” Rodgers said following Thursday’s practice at the Dolphins’ training complex at Nova Southeastern University.
This is a chance to prove “that we can compete against the rest of the league. When you go up against top-notch competition, you want to perform your best. It’s a very good exposure for the Dolphins,” and for Rodgers.
Of course, he has shined in the spotlight before. During the Sun Devils’ shocking 19-0 thrashing of Nebraska last September. Rodgers collected three key sacks and pestered Husker quarterbacks all night.
Since Rodgers, who amassed a team-high 12 sacks for the 1996 Pac-10 champs, joined the Dolphins, he has brought his blue-collar work ethic with him.
“I approach each game the same way, regardless of who we are playing or what the situation is,” he said. “I’m going to make sure I get in there (film room) and get a lot of film work done. You have to find some way to get an edge over them, because everybody in the league is pretty much on the same level.”
Which is why Rodgers gives 110 percent — on and off the field.
“When he came to practice, it was for work and work only,” ASU head coach Bruce Snyder said.
Last season’s consensus Pac-10 and National Coach of the Year also pointed out that Rodgers’ “old age” has been an advantage for him.
“Well, in my opinion, there’s obviously a break-off point here, but two men: one being older and one being younger: the older man tends to win just about everything,” he said. “He’s really mature and stable. His maturity has really helped him.”
How so?
The 25-year-old rookie spent four years in the Air Force after graduating from high school. It was during this time that Rodgers learned to roll with the punches.
“I’m used to change,” he said. “I just adjust with it.”
This simple outlook has made him one of Miami coach Jimmy Johnson‘s favorite rookies.
“He has the ability to be a special player,” he told the Palm Beach Post during preseason training camp.
“(New York Jets rookie James) Farrior, he’s a good football player. Right now though, I’d take Rodgers over any linebacker in the draft.”
Maybe J.J. is on to something.
Rodgers has been, to say the least, a one-man wrecking crew. After two games, Rodgers is Miami’s co-leader in total tackles (18) and sacks (one for -11 yards) and he leads the team with two pass deflections.
Although he was somewhat overlooked in the draft (a third-round selection) Snyder feels Rodgers is right at home in Miami’s system.
“I knew Jimmy Johnson and Jimmy Johnson likes speed.” Snyder said. “He likes hustle. He likes people who love football. That describes Derrick Rodgers. That’s exactly Derrick Rodgers.”
Former Pac-10 foe and current Dolphin receiver Brian Manning agreed that Rodgers was a great addition to the Miami roster.
“He has a great attitude, a winning attitude,” Manning, a former Stanford Cardinal, said. “He’s just a real enthusiastic player. He was one of those players you are going to see everywhere. You are going to see him flying around.”
In short, Manning praised Rodgers’ ability to wreak havoc on enemy field generals.
“His best skill would have to be his pass rush,” Manning said. “He just moves around so much. He is so elusive.”
Rodgers echoes that point of view.
“I’m usually all over the place chasing people down,” he said.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder especially enjoys chasing down people Johnson is watching.
‘Coach Johnson is a great coach,” Rodgers said. “You look at his history and you know that he’s a proven winner. That’s the type of person, the type of team you want to be on. I really do have a lot of confidence in Coach Johnson and the staff that if we do everything under the scheme of the offense and defense, we can become a very good team.”
So far. so good for the 2-0 Dolphins.
With 14 games left in his rookie season. Rodgers will continue to follow ASU’s “One At A Time” creed, but he will also remember his college roots when he laces up his spikes Sunday in Titletown.
“It’s a pretty stadium, with a lot of grass on the field,” Rodgers said jokingly, before speaking about the zealous Cheeseheads.
“I like that. It really excites me to see fans getting into the game,” he said. “It brings me back to that college atmosphere. It’s hard to find that (in the NFL) nowadays.”
It’s also hard to find many 25-year old-rookies, but Rodgers plans to make his debut season a productive one.
“People say I’m old, but watch out,” he said. “I’ve only played the game for three years. Guys who have played since high school have a good six years on me, pounding their bodies. I feel pretty good. I’ve got a lot of room to grow.”
What he also has is a desire to be one of the best.
“I want to go to the Pro Bowl,” said the man whose adoring fans declared Sun Devil Stadium “Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood.”
Interestingly enough, no one is arguing with him.
Postscript: Rodgers played for the Dolphins from 1997-2002. He then played for the New Orleans Saints in 2003-04. The former ASU standout appeared in 116 NFL games in his career, making 111 starts.
Ed Odeven Reporting 