After seven days of speculation and second-guessing, one Horned Frog football player says the team will be returning one of its most dangerous weapons.Junior wide receiver Cory Rodgers, just one week after he told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he was declaring himself eligible for the NFL Draft, has decided to return to TCU for his senior season, a team source said Tuesday.
Junior safety Eric Buchanan said Rodgers told him Tuesday that after further considering his options, Rodgers decided to return to his teammates and finish the remaining hours on his degree plan.
“He just said that he didn’t really want to leave his friends here,” Buchanan said. “He’s close to graduating … he’s just a few hours short from completing his degree.”
Buchanan said Rodgers, who was projected to be a third- or fourth-round pick, did not factor his draft status into his decision.
“He was real comfortable with his position,” Buchanan said. “He told me that didn’t have anything to do with it.”
Aside from graduating, Buchanan said Rodgers may also better himself as a player by coming back.
“I think he’ll vastly improve,” Buchanan said. “He can better his receiving skills; he’ll be doing himself a favor by returning.”
As last season’s leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, Rodgers will have another shot at breaking several TCU records by returning for his senior year. Rodgers is currently tied for the school record in receiving touchdowns (17) and is 32 receptions behind Kelly Blackwell’s record of 181.
Although he is a dangerous receiver, Buchanan said, the team is most glad to have Rodgers back as a punt and kick returner, where he was selected as a 2nd-team All American. Rodgers returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last season.
Buchanan said that despite the uncertainties surrounding the past week, he respects Rodgers’ new decision.
“This is a major part in his life,” Buchanan said. “When it comes right down to it, he’s just trying to make the right choice. Sometimes the first choice isn’t always the right one.”
Rodgers did not return phone calls, and coaches were not made available to comment on the matter.
