Will Rogers and Jeremiah Hunter each transferred to Washington prior to the 2024 season with similar trajectories. Rogers was off of a four-year run at Mississippi State where he set numerous passing records in the SEC. Hunter led Cal in receiving yards in back-to-back seasons before heading up the coast to Washington. But both players’ seasons didn’t quite meet the expectations set upon arrival. Nonetheless, Rogers and Hunter each played critical roles for the program throughout the season that translated to victories. On March 10th, the two had their opportunity to showcase their talents in front of NFL scouts and personnel at Washington Pro Day. In doing so, Rogers and Hunter both ended their Husky careers on high notes.
Former Transfers Impress at Washington Pro Day
Rogers’ Outlook At The Next Level
“For sure it’s hard,” Rogers began. “If anybody tells you that you’re not doing a good enough job… yeah it’s hard.” After his Pro Day, the former Washington quarterback described what it was like to lose the starting quarterback role. He was ultimately replaced by Demond Williams Jr. late in the season. But there was never any inkling of controversy between the two. Rogers’ relationship with Williams was strong, and it contributed to the younger quarterback’s smooth transition into the starting job. “Even if you’re not taking the snaps every day, you still have to add value to the room.”
Rogers said that became his focus late in the season after falling down the depth chart. Rather than taking an observatory role, he remained an active leader as the second-string. Rogers compared that experience to what he might be able to provide at the next level. “I feel like my job at the end of the season could kind of be my job in the NFL, maybe like a backup quarterback.”
The former Husky quarterback stands out because of his leadership and locker room presence. His ability to encourage and support teammates even from the background was apparent in the final few weeks of the season. “My biggest argument for myself is whatever team or organization decides to take me, that team is going to be better off for it,” Rogers said. “I’m optimistic about any chance that I get.” During his throwing session, Rogers made the most of the chance he had in front of NFL scouts, throwing with quality timing and accuracy.
Pro Day Passing Results
The five-year starting quarterback in the SEC and the Big Ten measured at 6’-2” and 207 pounds with 8 ⅝” hands. Rogers’ vertical leap of 33 ½” was the third-highest of Husky participants at Pro Day. The throwing session was the last session of the morning, and Rogers supported his teammates who worked out before him in individual position drills. Rogers threw to four Husky pass-catchers including Giles Jackson, Keleki Latu, Daniyel Ngata, and Hunter. Each one of them caught around a dozen passes from their quarterback.
Rogers had been working out with a private quarterback coach this Winter in Scottsdale, Arizona. He said his goals were to get his body back healthy and dissect ways to, “Get more into the ball,” as he described it. “Really just trying to get a little more zip on the ball,” Rogers said, “Which I felt like I have.” It certainly looked that way during Pro Day. Rogers was on time and on target for nearly every throw he made. There was a good amount of zip on the football, and he connected on several deep throws, hitting his receivers in stride. “I thought it went good, it went smooth. And I’m excited to see what’s next.”
Hunter Takes Advantage of Opportunity
In his final season of college football, Hunter hauled in just one touchdown catch on 36 catches for 490 yards. “On the field,” Hunter recalled, “It was kind of ‘iffy’ I guess you can say. I was trying to make everything perfect instead of playing.” The former Cal pass catcher had just seven receptions in non-conference play to begin the season. But as the year progressed, he settled in and began finding his comfort zone. “After the first few weeks I felt like it was smooth,” he said. “I didn’t have the season that I wanted based on production. But I can control what I can…It was a blessing overall.”
Despite the numbers on the field, Hunter made an impression during Pro Day at Washington. He measured in at 6’-1 ⅜” and 208 pounds, posted 11 reps on the bench press, and recorded a 28 ½” vertical leap. Hunter then moved into the throwing session where he was crisp with his route running and displayed sticky hands. He hauled in some quality hands catches on throws from Rogers, including one over the middle that was slightly behind him. Hunter was running to his left on a slant, jumped, and spun away from his momentum to haul in the catch. He landed the spinning catch and cut upfield. Hunter’s presence over the middle of the field had been a strength his entire career. That catch embodied his skillset.
“Coming here just shows that I can make the most out of my opportunities,” Hunter said after Pro Day. “I feel like I’m a reliable receiver, I’m going to make the tough catches.” He did just that in front of NFL scouts on Monday. “In my head I feel like I’m a top 15 receiver with the ability I have.” While his name might not be swirling at the top of NFL Draft boards, Hunter is a receiver who’s confident in his skillset and backs it up when given opportunities on the field.
Photo courtesy: Nick Lemkau
