Offensive lineman Zach Rogers made it official that he wasn’t returning to the Razorbacks on Friday, but it wasn’t particularly surprising.
Rogers, who would have been a senior, has decided to give up football to concentrate on a career in law enforcement in Northwest Arkansas.
Rogers told WholeHogSports.com he informed former Coach Bret Bielema and offensive line coach Kurt Anderson of his plan during the course of last season.
After the coaching change, he had a follow-up conversation with new offensive line coach Dustin Fry, who wanted to confirm Rogers was sure of his decision.
“I was just at that point in my life,” Rogers said. “I got married last May. I decided that it was just time for me to move on and take the next step in my life.”
“I have nothing against Coach Morris,” Rogers said. “I wish him and everyone the best of luck. I had nothing against Coach B. … This is something I’d been thinking about for a while.”
Rogers got married last spring. He graduated with a degree in criminal justice in December and his father, Randy, told WholeHogSports.com his son has already had interviews with law enforcement agencies in the area.
Rogers, a native of Carrollton, Texas, made his first career start this season at center in Arkansas’ 41-9 loss at Alabama on Oct. 14.
After preseason All-America center Frank Ragnow was lost for the remainder of his senior year with an ankle injury the following week, Rogers started each of the last five games.
With Rogers out, Arkansas has no starting experience at center going into the 2018 season. Early candidates for the position are redshirt sophomore Dylan Hays and redshirt freshman Shane Clenin.
