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Oklahoma State is one of just a handful of power five schools to not take a quarterback on scholarship in the class of 2021. The Cowboys have two capable quarterbacks on the roster in Spencer Sanders and Shane Illingworth, but opting not to take a quarterback is still unusual. This week, the OSU staff extended preferred walk-on offers to two Dallas- Fort Worth area quarterbacks.
C.J. Rogers captained Argyle to a State Championship in 4A DI, the state’s fifth-largest classification, in his lone season as the starting quarterback. It was a historic season for Argyle as the Eagles never trailed at any point in a game last season. Rogers passed for over 3,300 yards and 48 touchdowns to just four interceptions. The “pro style” quarterback also rushed for seven more scores. Rogers has a handful of offers from smaller schools but picked up late offers for OSU and Iowa State.
Part of the reason Rogers may be under-recruited is that he only started for one season. Because of the pandemic, 7on7 was canceled in Texas last summer, as were football camps across the country. His big senior season surely has something to do with the late bump in recruiting.
.@argylegridiron Senior QB @cj1rogers battled through injuries earlier in his career but emerged as one of the top signal-callers in the state as as senior, leading the Eagles to a state championship. With 3,400 yp and 47 TD. MVP Bobblehead presented by https://t.co/7VypqEmy3X pic.twitter.com/OF4PAH0Gql
— DFW Inside High School Sports (@ihss_dfw) January 12, 2021
Ralph Rucker is another quarterback who exploded onto the scene in the metroplex this season. Rucker led Lovejoy to a 13-1 season and was the 2nd leading passer in the metroplex in 5A, only behind Memphis signee Seth Henigan of Denton Ryan. Rucker passed for over 3,400 yards and 47 touchdowns to only three interceptions. Rucker also rushed for 993 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Lovejoy nearly upset Aledo on New Year’s Day, blowing a 4th quarter lead and losing 52-48. Aledo went on to win a State Championship last weekend. Rucker is a big reason why Lovejoy was able to make a deep run in the playoffs and improve from seven wins in 2019 to 13 in 2020. He’s also a talented baseball player at Lovejoy, playing catcher and center field. OSU was the first power five school to extend an offer to Rucker and OU followed suit a few hours later.
Blessed to receive an opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at Oklahoma State University! Go Pokes! @CoachTimRattay @CoachGundy @CowboyFB pic.twitter.com/AZrr95fk9J
— Ralph Rucker (@ralph_rucker) January 18, 2021
Both of these players are gaining traction on the recruiting trail, and it’s not guaranteed OSU lands either of them. The Cowboys were the first power five school to offer both, but more schools could extend offers in the days to come. These guys appear to be OSU’s last chance at landing a quarterback from the class of 2021 as National Signing Day approaches.