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^^8 'v'\ A s^' v -s l& H^'' Here cc By Mike Chibbaro Oamacock Staff Writer Ask George Rogers who his favorite runningback is, and he will quickly respond with a gleam, "Earl Campbell." Thus it comes as no great surprise that USC's Rogers and the Houston Oiler's Campbell bear a familiar resemblance in their running styles. Rogers, like Campbell, is what one miffht call a dual dimensional runner. FIRST, THERE is George Rogers the dancer ... gliding and slashing his huge but agile frame through the arms of would-be tacklers. And then there is George Rogers the bull ... lowering his head and steamrolling any unfortunate soul that might cross his path. This is the patented style that enabled"Big George" to rack up 1006 yards rushing in only eight games this past season. Rogers' impressive sophomore season has also made him the most serious All-American candidate produced by Gamecock football in recent years, and he has even been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Heisman Trophy in either of his two remaining seasons. Rogers prefers to maintain a modest low key approach toward the pre-season raves lie has drawn, and he places a much greater emphasis on the Gamecock's ability to have a winning season. "I'm glad that I have a chance to become an AllAmerican, and t appreciate all the support that the fans and >-;?i ^KisSiy -f !._ __ i jmes oig< the press have given me, but I would much rather have i nine win season than all of that personal glory," the 6-2,210 I pound Rogers said. THIS SEASON "Big George" has set his sights on i I personal goal of 1,500 rushing yards. This lofty but feasible goal would give Rogers an honor that appears to tx i inevitably his ? all time leading Gamecock rusher. Rogers prefers to share a lot of the credit for his running success with the Gamecock's experienced offensive line. "] have a great offensive line to work with," Rogers com mented. "I know they will do all they can to help me, and ir turn I'll do all I can to helD them " The Gamecock runningback also expressed some od timistic thoughts about starting quarterback Garry Harper. "Garry has really improved. He is a lot better quar terback this year, and he can throw the football when we get in trouble," Rogers remarked. "I always knew that Garry was a good quarterback, but i( is awful tough for a sophomore to step right in and do a great job. All he needed was some experience," he added. kuukks, who was recruited Dy almost every major college in the country, offered his reasons for selecting use. "I wanted a chance to play as a freshman, and Carolina was losing its two starting backs, so it looked like a good opportunity to play major college football right away," nogers reneciea. ^^BB&313Hfi&!3 '"SBSpS : '-'fSKi-i^K^ H '\'~'s\$' Iro IM^kfeV ,'i /,' ' -v - - -s -,<vs \ ' bf SSj&.MKV tH";' -~ : '-.v.--,'. ^ > UttflMMHMMMMiiBBHtHnk,. mi Mill * GAMECOCK STAFF PHOTO Georqe! i The Duluth, Ga. native also shared a more personal reason for attending USC. "Carolina is about the only school that didn't offer me anything 'extra' to attend their school. Although it was tempting to accept some of the gifts t that were offered me I knew that I could blow my whole i college career by taking them. My high school coach (Cecil ! Morris) always told me not to take gifts. I think things will work out for the best in the long run now that I took his ; advice.'' Rogers said. [ Rogers suffered a frustrating shoulder injury midway i through the 1978 season, but he said he is fully recovered and will not be favoring the shoulder or allowing it to "mess him up or let it become a mental thing." U/ITtl TUC .1? ? * ww m m mm inc? \jrc%iAicviiCIVd lilt?lK" IIlOSl SlFlH^CSl schedule in recent years, Rogers is quick to realize that lie will be facing a tough challenge in trying to reach his goal of 1,500 yards rushing. But on the positive side, the rugged USC schedule will allow Rogers a chance to reap the national exposure that is very much a part of gaining AllAmopJnnn o ?*>??? ?v??? ovamn? Maybe Rogers has not yet reached the caliber of an Earl Campbell, but at the rate "Big George" is going it seems like only a matter of time. The similarities between Rogers and Campbell are numerous, but of course there is one big I difference. George Washington Rogers Jr. is a Gamecock. And he's only a junior.