Josh Rouse: An Unlikely Path
12/3/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 3, 2010
By Mitch Lex, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant
One might say that the career of senior Spartan fullback Josh Rouse has been a unique one.
Before even arriving at Michigan State, Rouse played football for three teams in high school and prep school. He spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Immaculate High School in Danbury, Conn., earned two varsity letters at his hometown Newton (Conn.) High School, then was a two-way starter (tight end and linebacker) and captain for Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pa.
Recruited by former Spartan head coach John L. Smith as a linebacker in the signing day class of 2006, Rouse appeared in nine games his freshman season in East Lansing, mainly playing on special teams. In his sophomore season in 2007, Rouse played in all 13 contests, recording nine total tackles.
After showing consistency on special teams, Coach Mark Dantonio and the staff decided to give Rouse an added a role in offense during his junior season. Rouse made the switch to fullback during spring practice in 2008, and he went on to see action in every game in the fall as the Spartans went 9-4 and earned a berth in a New Year's Day Bowl game, playing Georgia in the 2009 Capital One Bowl. Rouse scored his first career touchdown in the victory over Michigan that season, catching a 7-yard pass from Brian Hoyer in the fourth quarter to give MSU a commanding 35-21 lead.
But unfortunately for Rouse, he's only had the opportunity to play in one shortened game since the Capital One Bowl against Georgia. Rouse suffered a toe injury prior to the 2009 season that would sideline him for the entire year, forcing him to take a redshirt and focus on his upcoming senior year in 2010.
"When I got injured last year I took the approach that I had another year to play, so I worked really hard in the weight room and got in shape," Rouse said. "I gained a lot of strength and knew there wasn't a fullback coming back with much experience so I was pretty much the guy, and I had plenty of motivation to work hard and come back the next season ready to play."
Rouse did just that. He proved to be one of the leaders in the offseason, from lifting weights in the winter, to spring practice, to summer conditioning, and entered this season as the undisputed starter at fullback.
But in the season opener against Western Michigan on Sept. 4, Rouse suffered an injury even worse then his toe injury in 2009. Attempting a tackle while covering a punt, Rouse landed on his head and broke his neck, ending both his season and football career as a Spartan.
"I was running down the field covering a punt, and I got a little excited and saw a pile," he recalled. "I wanted to get in on a tackle so I jumped on the pile. But I flew over it and landed right on my forehead. I tried to get up but things weren't working right. I started to run off the field, just hoping I hadn't broken my neck."
Although number 44 physically wasn't on the field this season, Rouse's role on the team has far from vanished, in large part due to the dedication he has for a program that has done so much for him.
"The motivation is really my teammates," he said. "I feel like I have an obligation to them and I really care about them. I've spent a lot of time in this program and put a lot of work in. I just feel like coming to practice and being here for them is the least I can do."
Rouse missed the next game against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 11, but his teammates didn't forget him. They each wore a prominent "44" decal on the back of their helmet as a tribute, and it's stayed there all season. He made a triumphant return for the Notre Dame game Sept. 18, representing the Spartans as one of the game captains against the Fighting Irish.
"It was a really special moment for me, going out there as a captain and representing my school," Rouse said. "The recognition from my teammates meant a lot after I got injured and knew that I wouldn't play again this season."
Since then, Rouse has found a valuable role on the team helping to coach his fellow Spartan fullbacks, most notably senior Nick Bendzuck.
"It's been great, and Nick has really done an excellent job," Rouse said. "I've just tried to be a positive influence on everyone. Instruction from the coaches can get them kind of down or make them lose their confidence a little bit, so I just try and keep them positive and give them input when I can."
Rouse's contribution has proved to be more valuable than simply helping his teammates on the football field.
"I'm not on the field, so I'm not so much an example but more of a symbol that what we do here on the field is temporary," he said. "The things you do off the field and the way you conduct yourself is more permanent then your play on the field."
As his career comes to a close, Rouse highlights the success of this season as one of his best moments, even despite his injury.
"The work we put in this summer and in the off-season has really shown how much closer we have grown together as a team," he said. "I think it's been the best year of my life watching my teammates play and I'm really happy for them. It's just been an unbelievable season so far."
While Rouse's mark on the Spartan football team is certainly distinguished, he plans on taking away much more than his experiences on the gridiron.
"Obviously there's a lot more to life than football," he said. "I don't think the sport defines me as a person; I know there is a lot more out there. I just try to keep a positive outlook, and the support here has been unbelievable."
GETTING TO KNOW Josh Rouse
FAVORITE ATHLETE: Bo Jackson
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT: Schwartz's Deli
IF YOU COULD TAKE A TRIP ANYWHERE, IT WOULD BE: Europe
FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST: Led Zeppelin
FAVORITE CLASS: Kinesiology 853, Athletic Administration
This feature was originally published in the Nov. 20 edition of Michigan State Football Gameday Magazine.
