At the beginning of the season, College Football News analyst Pete Fiutak wrote, "He (Carlos) has the all-around talent to be one of the nation's best cornerbacks, now all he needs is a little more publicity and some more award voters paying attention."
In a very competitive year among college defensive backs, Auburn's Carlos Rogers got the publicity--and the attention of the voters--proving he was the best in the nation. "It feels great to win the Jim Thorpe Award," Rogers stated at ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show, "It's a great honor to be considered as the top defensive back in the country. One of the reasons I came back for my senior year was to show that I was one of the nation's best defensive backs. I am honored."
With Rogers' leadership on the field, Auburn University also reaped the benefits of his decision to put his NFL dreams on hold, completing a 13-0 undefeated season and leading the nation in scoring defense. The Tigers ranked fifth in total defense and eighth nationally in pass defense. Rogers allowed only 18 passes to be completed against him this season. His excellent size, speed and athleticism and his ability to take control of the field locked up some of college football's best receivers. He finished the regular season with two interceptions, one which he returned for a touchdown.
Giving his defensive coordinator Gene Chizik and Coach of the Year Tommy Tuberville the credit for helping get him to this level, Rogers earned a vast collection of 2004 football honors. In addition to the Thorpe Award, he was a finalist for the Nagurski Defensive Player of the Year Award and was a consensus All-American. After Auburn's Sugar Bowl victory, Rogers and his teammate, Junior Rosegreen, were named to the College Football News All-Bowl Team.
"Carlos' unselfishness on our football team stands out the most," says Coach Chizik. "He's a guy that plays every snap on defense. He plays every special team--kickoff, punt, and punt return. He never comes out of the game. He's averaging 100 plays a game, which is just phenomenal. He knows that for us to be good on special teams and to win field position, he's got to play. He is one of the most complete corners I have ever been around."
A native of August, Georgia, Rogers was a two-way player at Butler High School, rushing for 1,332 yards and 11 touchdowns his senior year. He also was a standout basketball point guard. He is Auburn's sixth winner of a major national award and the first since 1988.