James Tyler Elliott Rogans name is already prominent in the football record books at Coronado High School. Last year as a junior, he became the sixth Islander running back to gain more than 1,000 yards in a single season, galloping 1,080 yards and placing himself prominently among the pantheon of Marvin Dingle (1,476 yards in 2000), Hal Tobin (1,239 in 1957), Ledge Hakes (1,072 in 1994), Felipe Hernandez (1,032 in 1999) and Joel Fetters (1,002 in 1986).

CHS has been fielding football teams since 1913, so Islander football records are perhaps more meaningful than at other local schools.

Seven games into the 2003 season, Rogan is at it again, gaining 1,218 yards on the ground through seven games. The 5-foot, 10-inch senior already holds the schools single season touchdown record of 25, eclipsing Dingles mark of 22 set in 2000. Within his sights is the individual scoring mark of 176 points set by Green in 1929, as well as the single season rushing mark held by Dingle.

Perhaps most importantly, the San Diego native is helping lead his team to a 7-0 record as the Green and White prepare to host Clairemont High School for the annual Homecoming game Friday evening at Niedermeyer Field. Game time is 7:30 pm.

hotel rooms ThessalonikiPrior to moving to Coronado in seventh grade, Rogan and his family lived in El Cajon and Santee. Little League baseball was J.T.s sport of choice at that point, playing since he was 5 years old. "I always played baseball. I had never played football before I came to Coronado. I started playing football in seventh grade. Mom allowed me to play and great things grew from that."

Like many modern families, the Rogan clan has experienced some challenges. J.T.s mother Amy Kendall lives in Tucson, AZ with J.T.s sister Paige, age 10. James William Rogan, J.T.s father resides in Coronado and is the executive chef at Tom Hamms Lighthouse on Harbor Island. "I see Mom for all the home games and she came to the Christian game," said Rogan. "Dads my number one fan. He works six or seven days a week at the restaurant. Hes doing well and trying to make some changes. He loves to try to get me to succeed. My parents have given me great support along the way. They both gave me love, guidance and patience."

Its an axiom in sports that offense is fun to watch, but defense wins championships. The most remarkable element in Rogans young football career is the amount of time he spends on the field, playing defense, offense, and special teams. Most tailbacks who turn up big statistics only run the ball and occasionally catch a pass. But the young man with the number 35 emblazoned on the back of his uniform doesnt have that luxury on a varsity squad that numbers between 18 and 21 players depending on the weekly injury report.

"I have a full sheet each week," laughed the personable Rogan. "Im on the kickoff team, the kickoff return team, the punt team, the extra point team and the hands team. Any possible team we can concoct, Im on it." Basically, if the game remains in doubt, Rogan is still on the field.

The number 35 that Rogan wears has some history too, a tribute to another outstanding two-way player Jon Hester, CHS class of 2001. Head Coach Bud Mayfield admires that aspect of Rogans approach to the game. "Hes a kid who came up in the community and wants to be ranked with Dingle and Hester, who are people he respected. J.T. started out as a water boy for the varsity when he was in Pop Warner. I like it when kids in town do that."

Rogan, who has carries the family nickname "Scoop," added his thoughts on the players that made their mark in Islander history. "I liked to be around Hester and those guys, seeing them perform. Hester was always saying, do you want to go one-on-one? He kind of took me under his wing."

Mayfield, who has coached Rogan for 3 years comments on what makes his featured back effective. "Hes got great vision and hes very patient. He allows the play to develop and his blockers the time to do their job. He has a big engine and always finishes going forward. He doesnt have great speed, but when you combine his running with his other talents, hes very, very effective. He seldom makes a mistake. He only has two fumbles the entire season."

"Hes also a good receiver," Mayfield added. "Hes made some clutch catches this season. Then hes a pretty darn good linebacker and strong safety, too."

Records are nice, but where does Rogan rank with his contemporaries? Very nicely, thank you. In rushing yardage, hes ranked second in the county and his 25 TDs give him a 42-point lead over the current runner-up.

Dont get the impression that football is all that appeals to Rogan. An outstanding student with a 3.9 grade point average and a 1320 SAT score, he has had recruiting discussions with Penn, Dartmouth and the University of San Diego. "Those are all schools that are interested in me and Ive sent tapes to Stanford, Notre Dame, Harvard and Columbia. I dont know where I want to go to college, but I think I would do well in communications, or something related to business. I want to be really successful."

Rogan will graduate with six athletic letters, evenly distributed between football and baseball. "There are a lot of sports that I love to play, but I dedicate my time to be good at baseball and football. I would love to play sports like lacrosse, volleyball and track, but time wont allow it."

His fondest football memories include last years victory at Madison, which earned the Islanders a Harbor League title. And some memories are more recent. "Weve been making some good memories this year. We avenged our loss to Santa Fe Christian this year. We were finally able to take it to them at their place."

The team star isnt always popular with the other squad members, but that isnt true of Rogan. Gifted with a touch of the blarney and an extremely quick wit, you get the impression that you are talking to a much older and more composed person than most high school seniors. His fellow teammates voted him a Tri-Captain this year, along with seniors Geoff Thorne and Joey Naple, athletes he likes and respects.

"Ive known Thorne since I first moved here and Joey is the best lineman in the county for his size. My Dad says respect is not demanded, but earned. I try to represent the team and do my best out there. Its an honor to be a captain."

Rogan rushed for just over 400 yards his sophomore season, 1080 last year, and if his current average of 170 yards per game holds for the balance of the season, he could top out in the 1,750 range this year, with a career total of well over 3,000 yards. Hopefully there is a Coronado Youth Football running back who is interested in wearing 35 on the back of his uniform, who can threaten those outstanding career numbers.