I’m going to focus on Sam Rogers today, but not on his catches or throws. Instead, I’m going to talk about this guy’s blocking, which jumped out at me from the opening minutes versus Miami.

But first, here’s a little history on just how #45 came to be so critical in Tech’s offense. In my writeup on Coach Fuente’s offense at Memphis, I noted that TE/h-back Alan Cross was the do-everything glue that held the scheme together. Here’s what I wrote:

“6’1”, 235-pound Alan Cross, a former walk-on, might’ve been nearly as important as Lynch in winning the Ole Miss game. Officially labeled a tight end, he lined up and motioned all over the formation: traditional tight-end spot, wing, slot, fullback, outside receiver—he’s even a special teamer. He’s also the resident berserker, and in at least one game was responsible for firing guys up with no-helmet head-butts until he opened a gash above his eyes.

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