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Will Rogers to honor Mike Leach during 2023 Mississippi State football season

By Ethan Lee

Nov 13, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) and head coach Mike Leach watch a replay on the video board during the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) and head coach Mike Leach watch a replay on the video board during the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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During SEC Media Days, Will Rogers made it clear how he plans to honor Mike Leach’s legacy and memory during the 2023 Mississippi State football season.

In December, the Mississippi State football program suffered a devastating loss when Mike Leach tragically and unexpectedly passed away. Leach left a remarkable impact on Starkville during the past three seasons and he leaves an incredible legacy behind as college football loses one of its greatest minds and influences.

His Air Raid offense swept through the country and largely was emulated or imitated by many at many levels. And Will Rogers was the latest quarterback to have the honor of playing in Leach’s offense and to work closely with the Pirate.

During SEC Media Days, Rogers emotionally reflected on losing Leach as well as how he plans to honor his former coach this coming Mississippi State football season.

“We had a really special connection, obviously,” Rogers pointed out, according to ASAP Sports. “Played three years for Coach Leach, recruited me out of high school. Very, very sad when he ended up passing.”

Mississippi State football: Will Rogers plans to carry on and carry Mike Leach’s legacy forward

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“I look forward to honoring him this year just by playing hard and hopefully throwing a couple touchdowns for him. Just doing as he would do,” Rogers explained.

Due to Leach’s Air Raid offense that Rogers has executed, Rogers developed into a remarkably prolific passer and has shown incredible potential at times. He’s among the most productive quarterbacks in SEC history and he’s set all sorts of records in the Mississippi State football record book.

The Air Raid won’t be utilized moving forward, but Rogers still plans to showcase his skills in Kevin Barbay’s system. And Leach would certainly love to see Rogers continue to grow and develop (even if the Bulldogs run the ball a little too much for Leach’s tastes).

All of Mississippi State will continue to mourn Leach. Rogers will be among those that feel the loss of Leach the most. He’s also among those in the best position to honor Leach by moving forward and leading Mississippi State.

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