Jedd Fisch explains importance of adding Will Rogers
Washington is going through a massive offseason transition from the tenure of Kalen DeBoer to that of Jedd Fisch. However, one thing that will help that process go more smoothly will be an experienced transfer quarterback in Will Rogers.
Fisch spoke about the significance of the Huskies retaining Rogers out of the portal during an interview on ‘Andy Staples On3’ on Friday. He said that Rogers was a quarterback that he has been aware of both due to his statistics as well as his performances against his last two teams at Arizona the past two falls.
“We played against him twice,” said Fisch. “We played better the second time than we did the first time.”
“Obviously, it was two different staffs,” Fisch noted. “When he was with Coach Leach, he had incredible production. I think he has close to 1,900 attempts, 12,000 yards.”
Rogers arrives in Seattle with 1,301 completions on a 69.3% rate. Those went for 12,315 yards, 94 scores, and 28 interceptions in 43 career games at Mississippi State. He left Starkville as an all-time leader in passing numbers at the school. He also departed after posting amongst the best passing stats in the history of the Southeastern Conference.
In two games against Fisch and the Wildcats, Rogers completed 78.9% of his throws. Those passes went for 475 yards (237.5 per game), seven scores, and just one interception.
However, for all his production, it’s Rogers’ leadership at the position that could prove most important. With two other young quarterbacks on the roster, Fisch hopes that he can be a teacher for both in their freshman seasons with the program.
“He has started a ton of football games. It was really important that we brought in a veteran quarterback because we also brought in Demond Williams,” explained Fisch. “Demond Williams was committed to us at Arizona and this kid is elite. Elite, elite, elite talent. He has got everything that you want in a player. I said that your GPA and your 40 time is about the same, like 4.4? It’s unbelievable. He’s special in a lot of ways. To have Will help mentor Demond through this process is going to be enormous
“We were able to hold on to (Demaricus Davis), who was committed to Coach DeBoer’s staff and was a true freshman when he walked in the door in January,” Fisch added.
Williams and Davis both come in as four-star prospects and Top-225 recruits in 2024 according to On3’s Industry Ranking. Williams was the No. 13 QB in the class while Davis finished at No. 15.
Rogers sticking around after DeBoer’s departure for Tuscaloosa was a significant win for Fisch and company ahead of their first year leading the team. That applies both for this season and then into the future depending on how he influences their young duo in the room.
“We’ve got a nice little quarterback room going but Will is going to be a huge part of what we’re trying to get accomplished,” said Fisch.