Versatile Turbo Rogers Can Provide Value In Number Of Ways

The quest for skilled playmakers is always ongoing at Ohio State, and as part of the Buckeyes’ most-recent signing class, Anthony “Turbo” Rogers is one of OSU’s latest finds.

Listed at 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, Rogers signed with the Buckeyes out of Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama. Rogers committed to Alabama in June of 2023, but decommitted from the Tide just a few weeks ago before signing with the Buckeyes on signing day this past Wednesday.

Rogers was one of three running backs signed in the 2025 recruiting class by Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, he may also be the most versatile.

“We felt like based on what we saw him do this year, he was lined up as a receiver a lot, he was a returner, so he kind of gives us a little bit of that hybrid where he can line up a receiver, he can come into the backfield, he can return kicks,” said Buckeye head coach Ryan Day. “Haven’t had a ton of those guys. Xavier Johnson was probably the guy that was probably the best comp that way.”

In Johnson’s time with the Buckeyes from 2018 to 2023, he fluctuated between running back and receiver — sometimes in the same game. Whatever the Ohio State offense needed, he would help provide. Johnson rushed for 353 yards in his final two years at Ohio State, while also catching 26 passes for 329 yards.

Rogers provides the same kind of potential, having moved around from running back to receiver during his four years in high school. As a freshman at Pike Road High School in Pike Road, Alabama, he rushed for 1,139 yards and 18 touchdowns in helping lead his team to a state title. He also caught 15 passes for 401 yards and six scores that year, while posting over 600 kick return yards as well.

As a sophomore, Rogers rushed for 1,626 yards and 22 touchdowns. He then transferred to IMG Academy as a junior where his numbers dropped, as most do on what is basically a national all-star team. Rogers’ stay at IMG lasted just one year. He then transferred to Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama where his pass receiving skills really took off.

Rogers only ran the ball 36 times as a senior, but caught 42 passes for 478 yards, scoring four times. He lined up both outside at receiver and in the slot, while also playing some running back.

For his career, Turbo Rogers rushed for 3,302 yards on 378 attempts, caught 70 passes for 1,130 yards, had over 1,000 yards in kickoff return yards, and scored over 60 touchdowns.

“Whenever you can get guys like that, it’s important,” Day said of Rogers’ versatility. “I think when you look at the way things are going in NIL with roster limitations, I think the more hybrid guys that you can bring in that can do multiple things will be important, especially this time of year when you’re looking to make a run late in the season. You may take injuries.”

Regardless of where Rogers ultimately lines up for the Buckeyes, he will give the offense options.

“Guys who can do multiple job descriptions, I think their value is going to continue to increase,” Day said, “and I think Turbo is one of those guys.”