Richard Rodgers

Rodgers typically played at around 275 pounds in former head coach Jeff Tedford's pro-style offense, but showed his commitment to the team by dropping nearly 30 pounds in an effort to fit in as an oversized wide receiver in new coach Sonny Dykes' scheme in 2013. Rodgers was under-utilized in Dykes' offense and offers intriguing upside. While he lacks experience and needs some development, Rodgers could surprise with his production in a Joker or H-back role after earning a mid- or late-round selection.

long arms and soft hands. gathers in passes quickly and secures the football. good agility and straight-line speed for the position. good bloodlines. father is richard rodgers, sr., who is credited for making the call and one of five laterals on "the play," the famous cal kick return in 1982 to beat stanford (and its band). father now serves as the special teams coordinator for the carolina panthers.

WEAKNESSES

strengths

Lanky athlete who has proven the ability to manipulate his weight to fit his team's offensive scheme. Very good initial quickness for the position, demonstrating the ability to beat defenders upfield with his burst or to gain the advantage while blocking, including on cut-blocks.

compares to

Garrett Graham, Houston Texans - Like Graham, Rodgers' value to NFL lies in his sneaky athleticism and soft hands in a Joker or H-back role.

lacks the bulk and strength to hold up as an in-line blocker in the nfl. a bit finesse in his play, relying more on his athleticism than physicality. gets to the second level quickly but rather than latching on to control opponents, richard extends his arms and stops his feet, allowing defenders to break free easily from his blocks.

Possesses the ability to make the incredible catch but will drop the occasional easy pass and struggles in traffic. Only asked to run relatively simple quick out and drag routes in Dykes' offense. Only started 11 of 37 games over his collegiate career.

Prepstar All-American as a 2010 senior when he led all Massachusetts Division C-1 players in receiving, sacks and scoring, while also ranking No. 10 in tackles

Registered 65 catches for 1,064 receiving yards and hauled in 16 touchdown grabs during his final prep campaign when he was named All-State by ESPNBoston.com, while also adding seven rushes for 61 yards and a touchdown, two-of-three passing for 89 yards, a 37.2 punting average, seven punt returns for 73 yards and four kick returns for 91 yards as a senior for a 12-1 squad that won the state's Division IA Conference with a 5-0 league mark

Also recorded 35 tackles, 8.0 sacks, one interception that he returned 35 yards, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on defense as a senior

Posted a solid 2009 junior season when he was named the Defensive MVP of the Division IA Conference with 42 tackles, 3.0 sacks and four interceptions including one that he returned 75 yards for a touchdown, while also contributing 49 receptions for 800 yards and 20 TD catches on offense. Prominent on special teams during his 2008 sophomore campaign, punting 16 times for a 35.2 average, while making 33 extra points and two field goals

Garnered four and a half stars from Tom Lemming, while being given three by ESPN, Rivals and Scout as a member of the 2011 recruiting class

Played wide receiver and defensive end as a prep but was initially recruited to Cal as a tight end, where he was listed among the best in the nation by Rivals (No. 24) and ESPN (No. 34)

Listed as the No. 9 athlete nationally according to Lemming and the No. 168 player overall

Checked in as the nation's No. 65 receiver according to Scout

Listed as the No. 3 player overall in the state of Massachusetts by Rivals

A SuperPrep All-Region player who was tabbed by the media outlet as the No. 6 player in the New England area

Also played basketball and averaged 14.5 points per game as a junior in 2009-10.

Full name is Richard Christopher Rodgers II

Born January 22, 1992

Parents are Richard Sr. and Mindy Rodgers

Father is a former Cal football player who was prominently involved in "The Play" in the 1982 Big Game (given credit for calling “The Play” and making the final of five laterals), and went on to play in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League, had collegiate coaching stops at Diablo Valley College, San Jose State, Portland State, New Mexico State and Holy Cross, picked up professional coaching experience in the NFL’s minority internship program with the Oakland Raiders and with the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe, and is now the special teams coordinator with the Carolina Panthers under former Cal teammate and current Panthers’ head coach Ron Rivera.