Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln has produced more than it's share of college football prospects over the years. Head Coach Dave Wilson has literally turned the Trojans into a football factory. Craphonso Thorpe, Antonio Cromartie, Greg Threat, Gavin Dickey, Pat Watkins, and Calvin Darity are just some of the shining stars they have produced most recently. Well, this season Lincoln is once again loaded with Fred Rouse leading the way.
Who is Fred Rouse? He's perhaps the best player and prospect of all that has walked through the halls at Lincoln.
"I don't know who is the best but Fred is right up there with them," said Lincoln Head Coach Dave 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 is a great kick returner and just has that knack for finding the crease.
”Fred Rouse will be a player that stands on his own."
Rouse, 6-3 and 187 pounds, is silky smooth, has very good size and speed and makes everything look easy out there. He is a big play threat, whether he its a short pass or a deep route.
"Honestly, I consider myself more of a possession wide receiver. I have size and speed and I can go up and get the ball, get yards after the catch and be a deep threat. One thing I love to do is block down the field. I know how important that is as a receiver."
When it's all said and done, Rouse will have his pick from the who's who of college football powers and be considered not only one of the top wide receivers among the Class of 2005 but one of the top overall recruits regardless of position. So what teams does Rouse like at this point?
"Right now, if I had to choose, Florida State, Miami, LSU and Southern Cal would be my leaders. "I grew up with FSU and it is a dream school to me. The coaches are brilliant and the players are very cool. I feel at home there.
"I was just down in Miami and I have family there. That is the place to be. I love their offense and the coaches. I noticed that they practice so hard but they make it fun. Miami also has a real tight family atmosphere.
"I liked LSU before they won the national championship and when they did win it, it really opened up my eyes. I have talked with coach Saban and he seems like a good guy.
"USC is another place I kind of dreamed of playing at. It would be a change because it's across the country but they have a great team in great weather. I think I could be another Mike Williams there.
"I also like Ohio State, Tennessee and Michigan at this point."
Signing Day is still ten months away but for now Rouse thinks he has his decision made, although he will not let that cat out of the bag.
"I have talked with my parents and I think I know where I want to go. I have pretty much decided but I think I will wait until after the season to announce it."
Note – TheInsiders.com will have Fred Rouse video posted on the site tomorrow. So please check back with us.