Rousseau opts out of 2020 season

There were a few moments along Gregory Rousseau’s journey that let him know his dream of one day reaching the NFL could become a reality.

And they came before his breakthrough first college start against Virginia, a three-sack performance at Pittsburgh or four-sack onslaught versus rival Florida State.

First, it was when he started getting college offers while at Hialeah Champagnat Catholic as an athletic, lanky prospect who didn’t have a true position and played all over the field. Then Rousseau felt comfortable in his first spring at the University of Miami in 2018.

While he was still challenged in his initial experiences as a college defensive end, finding it not too overwhelming gave him confidence.

But Rousseau was then dealt the crushing blow of an ankle injury that would cost him his freshman season just two games in. But the comeback from that setback is what shaped the player he became as a redshirt freshman in 2019: someone who is projected as a first-round 2021 NFL draft pick.

“It really taught me just to trust in God’s plan and to always just stay humble, no matter what — whether you’re doing good or bad,” Rousseau told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in a phone interview. “I worked really hard that whole season working out while I was injured, and I just told myself I was going to be the hardest worker in the room at all times until I got back to where I was — and then still be the hardest worker in the room.”

Rousseau’s draft stock, combined with concerns over playing during the COVID-19 pandemic, led him to opt out of the 2020 season Thursday and sign with Drew Rosenhaus’ agency as he begins preparation for the draft.

“Just going to work my ass off for the next nine months and be the best me come April,” said Rousseau.

“I just focus more on my technique. That’s really all I’m thinking about. I’m not thinking about the negatives [of opting out] too much. I’m just thinking about how I can get better.”

After recording 15 1⁄2 sacks last season, which ranked him second in college football to Ohio State’s Chase Young, who is now with the Washington Football Team, Rousseau is well aware of the first-round projections.

“Dream scenario, for me, would probably be the Dolphins,” he said, “but any team that picks me — just to be in the league and have that chance — it’s really amazing. It’s something that most people dream of. I wouldn’t care where I end up, but obviously Miami’s right here.”

An elite pass rusher at 6-foot-7 and 253 pounds, Rousseau benefited from lining up all over the defensive line, even moving inside on obvious passing downs to beat offensive centers and guards.

“I can play anywhere on the D-line,” he said. “I can drop back into coverage. I feel like testing well [in the combine] is going to help me. I feel my ankle has recovered really well, so I don’t think that should be a question mark.

“I’ll lay it all out on the line for any coach, and I’ll put my best foot forward for whatever organization I play for.”

Rousseau said talks with his mother, Anne, a nurse at Florida Medical Center in Broward County who has dealt with coronavirus patients, helped him make his decision.

“She told me about how she’s seen young people die from it and let me know how serious it is,” Rousseau said. “That’s what went into it for me, for sure.”

He communicated his decision to Miami coaches and players Thursday.

“Coach Diaz was super supportive of me,” Rousseau said. “Me leaving, it didn’t have anything to do with the program at Miami. They’re doing an amazing job. It really had nothing to do with him at all. I love Coach Diaz, from the bottom of my heart. He’s really doing a great job, and I feel like the ’Canes are going to be great this year. I feel like they’re doing the most they can to stay safe during these crazy times.”

Despite opting out, Rousseau is confident the Hurricanes are taking all the necessary measures to limit the spread of the virus.

“They’re taking everything seriously,” he said. “We were wiping our weights down when we were done using them. We were staying socially distant when we could. They have a good system in place. They have a lot of resources for testing.”

Rousseau feels Jaelan Phillips and Jahfari Harvey will fill the void at defensive end in his absence, alongside Temple grad transfer Quincy Roche.

“I know they’re going to step up to the table and take full advantage,” Rousseau said. “Jaelan, he’s a freak of nature. A lot of people say that, but y’all will start seeing pretty soon when y’all see the action of the game.”

Rousseau said he plans on remaining enrolled academically at UM while keeping in contact with the team as much as possible throughout the season.