Illinois LB Names Top Seven

Linebacker Kevin Rouse out of Joliet (Ill.) Catholic wasn’t planning on having 20 scholarship offers in June but things have certainly taken off for the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder. Ole Miss was the first to offer in February and Rouse was planning on picking the school of his choice in June. Rouse has decided to push his commitment decision back until August.

“My favorites are Wisconsin, Iowa, Northwestern, Iowa State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and North Carolina State.” Kevin Rouse said.

“I don’t have a leader right now. Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin are all equal right now but I have a real interest in Pittsburgh now as well as North Carolina State.

“I had a long conversation in May with Coach (Dave) Wannstedt from Pittsburgh. He seems like a down-to-earth type guy. Pittsburgh has a good program and Coach Wannstedt told me that I could have a chance to get some early playing time.

“I like North Carolina State because I have family down there but I also like them because of the coaching staff, the tradition and they have an attacking style defense that fits my game.

“Iowa State has a great group of coaches and they are recruiting me hard. Minnesota is probably the school that’s recruiting me the hardest right now.

“The two schools I’m looking to get more information on and I’d like to get an offer from are Boston College and West Virginia. I like the both of those schools a lot.

“I’ve definitely pushed things back to August. I want to take my time this summer and make some unofficial visits. I’d like to see some schools, get to know the coaches a little bitter and do a little homework.”

Rouse had 90 tackles and 25 tackles for loss as a junior. Those numbers were good enough to earn Kevin all-area honors.