Gary Horowitz
Jacquizz Rodgers does it all for Oregon State. The sophomore tailback is second in the Pac-10 in rushing (922 yards) and receptions (49) and is tied for second in the nation with 15 touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown pass in last week's UCLA game from the Beavers' version of the wildcat formation.
Here's something Rodgers hasn't done: Fumble. In 510 career touches —431 rushes, 78 receptions, and one pass — Rodgers has yet to fumble. "I don't like talking about it," Rodgers said before Tuesday's practice. Rodgers credits running backs coach Reggie Davis for helping him with ball security.
"My coach always preached high and tight," Rodgers said. "Just make sure you secure the ball, that's the main thing. I make sure I keep the ball secure when I'm making cuts." Talking about fumbles is sort of like approaching a pitcher when he has a no-hitter going. "I don't even know what you're talking about," offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf said in jest.
OSU has fumbled just six times as a team this season, losing one after a James Rodgers reception at USC. "To have a reliable person that you give the ball to a lot is a really, really good thing," coach Mike Riley said. Jacquizz Rodgers is within reach of several single-season school records. He needs five rushing touchdowns to tie the school record of 19 held by Steven Jackson (2003) and Ken Simonton (1999 and 2000), and with 90 points and four regular-season games remaining, Jackson's record of 132 points (2003) also is in sight.
Rodgers and California's Jahvid Best, who were the first-team all-Pac-10 running backs last season, are tied for the conference lead in touchdowns.
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