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Rogers runs a 4.26 40-yard dash for NFL scouts

March 19, 2003

With his blazing speed, wide receiver Charles Rogers more than likely cemented his place as a top-three pick in next month's NFL Draft.

The Saginaw native was clocked at 4.26 in the 40-yard-dash, and registered a 37" vertical leap.

"I felt like it was another Saturday afternoon in Spartan Stadium," Rogers said. "It felt natural. It was just another walk in the park."

Scouts from 28 of the 32 NFL teams were present to take a look at Rogers and other Spartans display their athletic abilities.

Rogers and his agent, Kevin Poston, have been in contact with several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions who have the first and second picks, respectively, in the draft. Poston thinks there is a possibility the Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis could use his pick on the star wideout.

"Marvin has the No. 1 pick," he said. "We've had conversations with him and they were here and saw what he could do. I think they were very impressed."

Rogers said he was pleased with the results and he believes all that were in attendance - including NFL head coaches Steve Mariucci (Lions), Dom Capers (Houston Texans) and Lewis - were impressed.

"If anybody knows football, and anybody knows talent, all the questions should have been answered right there," he said. "Overall, it was great. I think I put on a great show."

If the Bengals don't select Rogers or trade their pick, then the Lions may have a chance to draft Rogers. It would give Rogers a chance to play in front of his family and friends, and reunite him with former Spartan head coach Bobby Williams - the Lions' wide receivers coach.

"I think it would be all pluses," he said. "The same things I did here, I think I could do there. They have a good quarterback and some other guys to move them in the right direction.

Other MSU players participating in Pro Day's events included safety Thomas Wright and offensive tackle Ulish Booker.

Wright, who is also represented by Poston, said his performance on Tuesday was an improvement from his combine showing.

"At the combine, that was more of the big name guys doing their thing," Wright said. "But I think I did really good today."

Booker shared thoughts similar to Wright's. He also said some teams are misled by these workouts.

"A lot of people say you shouldn't base what a guy can do on a particular workout," he said. "A guy could be a beast in the weight room and be like Jane on the field."

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