A "Rouse-ing" Success
By Jamie Newberg
National Recruiting Analyst
Fred Rouse is truly one of the most gifted wide receivers to come out in a few seasons. The senior from Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln has come a long way and he has a debt of thanks to coaches and former teammates. For Fred, he just wants to be the best he can be and right now, that's pretty darn good.
Fred Rouse
From the streets of French Town in state capitol of Florida to becoming one of the most highly sought after high school football players in the nation, Fred Rouse has arrived. Rouse is now starring for Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln High School and is the No. 2 rated wide receiver in the country and the No. 4 prospect overall. He draws comparisons to Randy Moss (Minnesota) of the NFL. That’s high praise for Rouse but one thing is certain, the senior to be has come a long way.
Rouse is from a rough area of Tallahassee, 4th Avenue (a.k.a. French Town). There, he learned how to survive. And it was there where he had the decision to go down the right path or the wrong path. For Rouse, he chose the right path and he chose wisely.
“Oh man,” said Rouse. “There, I stayed out of trouble and stayed away from many (harmful) things. I knew I had a little bit of talent and I had to show the others there of what you could do with your life. I owe a lot to coach (Dave) Wilson and T.C. (Tony Collins, assistant coach at Lincoln). They are both like fathers to me and they helped keep me out of trouble.”
Rouse has turned into an incredible college football prospect. He stands 6-3 and weighs 187 pounds and he runs like a gazelle. Lincoln football is one of the big-time high school football powers in the Sunshine State. They have had some elite recruits of the years, guys like Craphonso Thorpe (FSU), Pat Watkins (FSU), Greg Threat (Miami), Ryan Gilliam (Oregon), Gavin Dickey (Florida, Antonio Cromartie (FSU), and Calvin Darity (UNC), just to name a few. Rouse may be the best of the bunch but that’s a tough call for Lincoln Head Coach Dave Wilson.
"I don't know who is the best but Fred is right up there with them," proclaimed Wilson. "All of those guys (Cromartie, Dickey, Watkins, Thorpe, etc.) have special qualities and so does Fred. Besides being so athletic he has great instincts. In addition to being an outstanding wide receiver he’s a great kick returner and just has that knack for finding the crease. Fred Rouse will be a player that stands on his own."
In all honesty Rouse could play for anyone in the country. For now, although Rouse want say, it appears to be a two team race between the hometown Seminoles and their arch-rivals, the Miami Hurricanes. Those two teams have many things that stand out to Rouse.
“Let’s face it, Florida State is home to me. It’s my backyard and I feel comfortable there. That’s a big advantage for FSU. I also have a lot of family right there in Miami. That’s been the hardest part so far because it’s like a tug-of-war between my family here and my family in Miami.
“Both programs are winning programs and championship schools. They both produce players to the NFL. I know Miami has been on an incredible run of late. Why would I not want to be a part of that? That will influence my decision and that would influence anyone’s decision. Another important factor is that both of these programs have some great young quarterbacks and I think they will do very well.
“Everyone thinks it will be FSU or Miami but I am keeping an open mind. I like a bunch of other schools too like Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, USC, LSU and Florida. In the end I just have to do what is best for me.”
So lets just say that it’s safe to say, that in the end, Florida State and Miami will be in the Fred Rouse sweepstakes. But if there is one thing about recruiting, you never know what will happen in the end. And because of that, all the schools Rouse mentioned will have their shot for this elite wide receiver.
“Texas is a place that Xavier (Lee) told me about and that he had a great visit there last year. They have a great football program.
“Michigan is a place that I have always wanted to check out. And I love their uniforms and colors.
“I starting really liking Ohio State a few years ago and then they beat Miami for the national championship. Coach (Jim) Tressel seems like a great person too.
“I visited L.A. last year and that’s the place to be. USC is an excellent program but it’s far from Tallahassee.
“LSU seems like they have a great group of guys and a great coaching staff. They are winning too.
“I think Florida is a surprise school. I know the Florida coaches seem to think that they don’t have a good shot at me. But I really like Coach (Dan) Disch and Coach (Ron) Zook. Florida is regrouping right now.
“As a matter of fact, if I could have committed to a school early, when I was younger, it would have been Florida. I have always liked them and they are young.”
The fact of the matter is that’s still early in the process for Rouse. He has his senior year ahead of him and five official visits to take. For now, the goal is to take all five visits and see what happens. It will be a wild ride for Rouse and his family as they fight through the recruiting process. And there is a lot he could learn from the former No. 1 prospect in the land two years ago, Ernie Sims, also from Tallahassee.
"First thing I didn't want to get a big head,’ said Sims. “I didn't want to seem like I was conceited. Everyone boosts your head up but you don't want to lose your concentration on your goals. You want to stay focused on the prize that's ahead of you -- to make it to the next level. When I was in that position (nation's top recruit), I was like, 'Stay focused. Stay focused. Keep working hard. Stay in the weight room. Stay in the classroom and get your grades.' That's what I focused on during the time and I think that's what they (Hot 100) should focus on.
“You can't let up. When you are top of the world, you don't want anybody to bring you down, so you have to keep working and thriving to stay on the top. That's the most important thing. You don't want anything to bring you down. That's what I always focused on."
Rouse is in a situation that every kid that dreams of and he won’t take it for granted. Since track season Rouse has worked hard on his game and in the classroom. He took some summer school classes this summer and has been working out at Lincoln and with some of the players at Florida State.
“Those guys (FSU players) have really been helping me out. I am really trying to work very hard on my route running and just being more committed to working hard. I know I have to keep my head on straight, stay focused and stay humble.”
Rouse is used to training with better and older players. As a ninth grader he had to earn the respect and playing time on a Lincoln team that was loaded with Division 1 recruits, especially in the secondary.
“I don’t think I would be the player that I am now without the guys like Ryan (Gilliam), Pat (Watkins), Antonio (Cromartie), Larry (Williams), Gavin (Dickey) and so many others. When I was young and out there and competing against those guys I had to catch the ball and make something happen. And to be honest with you, those guys wanted me to be good but I had to work so hard. One thing for sure, it gave me confidence. I really need to thank all of those guys one day.”
Rouse has plenty of confidence now. After all, he survived French Town and made himself into an elite college football prospect. Now, he’s ready for a big senior season.
“My goals now are to be the best, be a team player and just win. That’s what I care about right now. I’ll worry about recruiting later.”
