Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time
4. Charles Rogers
On to another NFL bust, Charles Rogers was an absolute freak at Michigan State. Rogers played just two seasons at Michigan State and had he played two, or even one, more, he would have broken basically every record in the Spartan books.
In fact, Rogers caught 135 passes for 2,821 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2001 and 2002 with Jeff Smoker as his quarterback. It was one of the worst times in Michigan State football history in terms of winning games as the Spartans were just 11-13 while Rogers and Smoker were connecting for touchdown after touchdown.
The two earned the distinction of “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Obviously, Smoker was the “smoke” and Rogers was fire.
Rogers actually broke a pretty impressive NCAA record, previously held by Randy Moss. Pretty coincidental that he broke Moss’ record since Rogers was most comparable to that former Marshall wide out and NFL superstar coming into the 2003 NFL Draft.
Finishing his career seventh all-time in receptions, third in receiving yards and first in touchdown catches, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the second overall pick. His NFL career was short-lived after he suffered major injuries early on and was never the same.
Next: 3. Connor Cook