Rodgers brothers push each other to greatness

Tailback Jacquizz Rodgers was stopped at the 1-yard line against UCLA at Pasadena last season, and when he scored on the next play, that wasn't good enough for his older brother.

So when Jacquizz got to Oregon State's sideline, James told him, "You've got to try harder on that."

Standing nearby, Beavers coach Mike Riley couldn't believe James questioned his brother's effort, thinking, "Nobody in the world would say that."

"Because both of them worked and tried like crazy," Riley said. "But James saw something there that he had to go say that to Quizz.

"We've always had a good work ethic with our kids at Oregon State, but they have definitely impacted it."

The Rodgers brothers are one of the biggest reasons the No. 16 Beavers (8-4) are in the postseason. They play No. 15 Brigham Young (10-2) at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium.

The incident at UCLA highlighted the brothers' competitive fire, how much they push each other, and how much they want the best for each other.

If you want to witness their dedication, don't just show up during practice. Show up afterward when their teammates are showering and getting dressed.

The Rodgers brothers spend an extra 15 to 20 minutes throwing a football and running. Every day.

"I think (competing) is a considerable part of who they are," Riley said. "I think they have enjoyed being on the same team, but I also think they are motivating for each other."

Jacquizz and James have turned the work into results.

Jacquizz, a sophomore, has rushed for 1,377 yards and 20 touchdowns. That follows last year's 1,253-yard output.

James, a junior wide receiver, has caught 87 passes for 1,004 yards and nine TDs. He also averages 23.3 yards per kickoff return and 11.6 on punt returns.

They challenge each other, whether it's in football, basketball, video games and anything else that comes to mind.

"But it's not to harm one another," Jacquizz said. "It's just to make each other better."

Despite coming within four points of making the Rose Bowl in a regular-season finale loss at Oregon, their spirits should be much higher than a year ago at this time.

A shoulder injury kept Jacquizz out of the Sun Bowl, a 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh. James missed the game with a broken collarbone.

"I was very frustrated going down at the end of the season," James said. "But now, we feel good and healthy."

And motivated.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.