Jordan Rodgers, Quarterback, Vanderbilt
TFG’s Rookie Roundup series features a multitude of draft prospects, illuminated through Q&As. Learn more about their off-the-field lives, as well as where they may fit in in the NFL. We’ll be adding players frequently between now and April 25th (start of the NFL Draft), so please check back often!
It shouldn’t be a surprise that a quarterback with the last name of Rodgers has NFL quarterbacking aspirations. But this year it’s Jordan Rodgers, younger brother of Aaron, who you might have heard is a pretty decent quarterback with the Green Bay Packers.
When Jordan wasn’t listening to Taylor Swift (his pre-game music of choice) or riding around town on his scooter, he led Vanderbilt to its first nine-win season since 1915 and a bowl win.
He started 12 games for the Commodores in his senior season, passing for 2,539 yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking him in the top ten single-season performances in school history. His completion percentage of 59.5% was the highest percentage by a Vandy quarterback since Jay Cutler’s junior season.
Here is Rodgers’ NFLDraftScout.com profile. Unlike his brother who was a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft, Jordan is currently projected to go in the 6th or 7th round.
Via VUCommodores.com
Amanda Rykoff: What’s your nickname?
Jordan Rodgers: J-Rod.
AR: What was your favorite NFL team growing up?
JR: Actually, my family loved the Niners so I liked watching them but I was really a Steelers fan growing up. Until my brother got to the NFL and all loyalty went away and it was with the Packers.
AR: Pretend I’m a scout or coach. Tell me in :30 or less why I should draft you.
JR: Because I’m a fierce competitor, to a fault at times. I want to be the best at everything I do and that really drives me. I’m very intrinsically motivated and I think that’s a characteristic that will take you far whether you’re in sports or not in sports.
AR: What current or former NFL player do you most emulate?
JR: My brother. It’s gotta be. I try to emulate his game. Because we’re family, we have the same mannerisms, we look the same throwing the ball, so anytime I can try and emulate someone who’s had that much success, it’s a good thing.
AR: What is your draft goal? Specific round or just get drafted?
JR: I hope a team falls in love with me for my strengths, for who I am as a person and if that’s in the third round, great, if it’s in the seventh round, great, if it’s a free agent, great. I just want the opportunity to get into a training camp and prove what I can do and just get my chance.
AR: What’s the first thing you’re buying if/when you sign your first contract?
JR: I have a scooter, I don’t have a car. So I’ll probably get a truck. I don’t need a flashy car, just four wheels and a pickup bed is good with me.
AR: Who is your dream girl?
JR: Jessica Alba.
AR: What advice has your brother given you?
JR: Everything. He gives me advice on everything. But really he’s said be yourself with the scouts, impress them with who you are, be genuine. And then soak up as much information as I can from the coaches because they’ve been there, they’ve done it. These players that are back coaching, they’ve been there, they’ve done it. Learn a little bit of the verbiage the NFL uses, kind of get a head start in hopes of getting in an NFL training camp.
AR: How often do you and your brother talk during the regular season?
JR: Every week. We talk game plans for my games, I want to hear about his game plan. He wants to hear about what we’re going to do. We talk all the time.
AR: Do you have any plans for a signature celebration move like your brother’s?
JR: I think I’m going to try and pull something off on my own.
Here is Rodgers showing mobility during a game-winning drive against Ole Miss:
