Sometimes a new piece in a puzzle doesn't just fit — it completes the picture. That's how Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer sees NC State transfer wide receiver Noah Rogers, whose arrival this spring has already made him one of the most noticeable contributions in the Crimson Tide's receiving corps.
Rogers' continued growth in Alabama's offense comes at a perfect time. The Tide lost their most productive and consistent receiver over the past two seasons in senior wideout Germie Bernard, alongside Isaiah Horton, who transferred to Texas A&M this past January. Those departures left DeBoer needing a dependable, experienced option to pair with Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks. After Alabama's second spring scrimmage, Rogers appears to be filling that void — and then some.
This feeling is evident when hearing Rogers' name be the first one mentioned by DeBoer after being asked by reporters which wideout had the best showing on Friday.
Kalen DeBoer was impressed with Noah Rogers during Friday's scrimmage
"Noah (Rogers)," DeBoer said. "Noah's been consistent. He had a couple of nice catches and some big plays. I thought he was where we needed him to be. Even on the just sometimes on the short ones, when you've gotta move the chains. Maybe it's not just a complete natural catch, but he's just gotta be the one who stood out the most this week."
Rogers early impact should bring a new sense of comfort to Alabama fans, especially when considering the production and consistency he showed during his two seasons in the ACC. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder totaled 68 receptions for 919 yards at NC State, averaging 13.4 yards per grab. With his size, reliable hands, and proven track record, Rogers provides a ready-made weapon to help keep Alabama's offense humming.
If Rogers can continue building on the momentum he creates in scrimmage No.2, then parlay it with a good showing at Alabama's A-Day scrimmage in front of fans under the lights of Saban-Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, he has a real chance to firmly lock himself into the Tide's receiving core as a trusted No.3 option behind Coleman-Williams and Brooks heading into the summer. And if he successfully does so, this will make him a valid contributor on offense this fall.