Toledo defensive back DeJuan Rogers.
By the time DeJuan Rogers had finished lifting weights, a text message from his father was waiting for him at his locker.
The Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back, had named the Toledo senior to its preseason watch list July 11.
Rogers’ father was the first to let the 2013 Detroit Cass Tech graduate know about the nomination.
“I was excited about it,” Rogers said at Thursday’s Mid-American Conference media day at Ford Field. “I don’t talk about it that much (being nominated for awards), but it’s something that’s been on my mind. I don’t like to talk about myself or personal goals often.”
Rogers, a third-team All-MAC selection last season, lets his play talk for him instead. He finished third on the Rockets with 67 tackles and second with 11 pass breakups.
He was the first player in Toledo program history to earn Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording a career-high 11 tackles and one interception against Arkansas.
His effort impacted his team so much, in fact, the Rockets put him on the cover of their media guide and invited him and running back Kareem Hunt, a Doak Walker Award watch-lister, to MAC media day.
“I lead by example,” Rogers said. “I go out there every day and give it everything I got, and the guys depend on me — whether that’s on the field or off the field.”
Rogers said the best example of his leadership came against Western Michigan last season. The Rockets trailed 11-7 and needed a turnover to capture the lead for the first time.
Rogers, a former three-star recruit, made that play. He stripped WMU’s Jamauri Bogan and returned the fumble to Western’s 28-yard line. Hunt scampered for a touchdown just one play later.
The effort was enough for first-year coach Jason Candle to dub Rogers as the “heartbeat of the defense.”
“That WMU game was a close game late,” Rogers remembered. “We needed to make a play, so I stripped the ball and got it back for us.
“We ended up scoring on that possession. That’s how I play. Anytime we need the ball back, I try to make something happen.”
The Broncos ultimately edged Toledo, but the loss has only fueled Rogers to get even better this fall.
Off the field, Rogers appreciates giving back. That’s something he did Wednesday. Along with 21 other MAC players, he participated in a children’s football clinic at Ford Field.
He said it reminded him of his former days playing PAL youth football.
“I had fun yesterday working with the kids,” Rogers said. “I remember my days playing PAL. Watching kids in my hometown meant a lot to me. I even saw my little cousin out there. I was excited to see him.”
Rogers said giving back is part of what makes playing for Toledo great.
“I enjoy it,” he said. “If I could redo it, I wouldn’t change anything. (When I signed with Toledo), I didn’t want to go too far from home.
“Everything has worked out for me on the field, and I’m happy with my decision.”
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