Virginia Tech’s Rouse out to prove he’s the best

By Nate Crossman  |   Monday, June 26, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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Virginia Tech Hokies redshirt senior Aaron Rouse has spent his entire career proving himself.

During his redshirt freshman season, he had to prove to the Hokies' coaching staff he could play whip linebacker, a position where Virginia Tech desperately needed help. The answer was yes, as Rouse played in all 13 games and finished the season with 46 tackles, including three for losses.

After his sophomore year, he had to prove he could make the move from whip to rover, which is more of a defensive back position. Coaches already knew he could stop the run, but wondered how he'd do against the pass. Once again, the answer was yes, as he led the team in interceptions with four, had five pass breakups and also was third on the team in tackles with 77.

Entering his senior season, Rouse is out to prove he is one of the best defensive players in the country. Like every other challenge in his career, it won't be easy.

First, he has to prove he's the best on his team, which won't be easy. The Hokies have one of the best linebackers in Vince Hall, and one of the best defensive lineman in Chris Ellis. But if you judge Rouse solely on his production, he is the best. Not only was he third in tackles and first in interceptions, he was also vital member of special teams, an area of emphasis for head coach Frank Beamer.

Then he has to get past the fact that he's not a cornerback. Virginia Tech's last two outstanding defensive backs have been cornerbacks - Jimmy Williams and DeAngelo Hall. Hall was a first-round draft pick, while Williams went in the second, both to the Atlanta Falcons. Although it is unlikely you will see Rouse on the outside covering the other team's best receiver, it's his versatility that makes him great, and has NFL scouts projecting him as a strong safety.

Rouse was shut out of postseason honors as a junior, but has already been named to two preseason All-ACC teams for 2006. Sporting News went as far as to name him the third-best strong safety in the country.

Although the Hokies' first game isn't for two months, it appears as though Aaron Rouse is already proving himself.

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