Rodgers Report

Oregon St. WR/KR James Rodgers had the second of two surgeries on his left knee last week, and according to his mom, the surgery went well, as far as she knows.

Rodgers, who received a medical hardship waiver after injuring his knee in last year's game at Arizona, is eligible to play again this fall, but when, or whether, he's ready to return to action remains unknown.

Oregon St. coach Mike Riley, who previously said "I don't want James to come back until he can be James,'' is on a golfing vacation in Palm Springs, and did not have further comment.

If James' knee doesn't respond adequately, speculation is that he could wind up in the vacant Graduate Assistant coaching position Riley has yet to fill.

Riley had James help last season as effectively an extra coach for the wide receivers after his injury, and has said that James Rodgers would or will make a "terrific" coach.

Also on the Rodgers front, little brother Jacquizz Rodgers, who skipped his senior season to enter the NFL, will be back in Corvallis next week for Oregon St.'s Pro Day.

While Stephen Paea's breaking the NFL Combine record for reps of the 225 pound bench press got national attention, ‘Quizz showed some strength as well, putting up the most reps of any of the running backs there.

However ‘Quizz ran a disappointing 4.64 in the 40 yard dash in Indianapolis, but said "I get another shot at Pro Day, and I promise I won't run that (slow) again. I kind of froze up (at the combine)."

‘Quizz was re-assuring about James, saying "he's doing good. He's just re-habbing right now.''

‘Quizz also said he plans to enroll in classes for spring term when he gets back to Corvallis. He's currently back home in the Houston area, and doing two workouts a day, the second one being "a speed workout to run a faster 40.''

‘Quizz indicated he knows of three NFL teams that are interested in him, but can't name names. He also said "if all else fails (regarding the NFL) I'll be a coach somewhere."

An interesting statement, given that Oregon St. also has an opening for a running back coach currently, and could see that position reopen down the line.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com