RB Rouson sets decision date

Running back Jaslee Rouson out of Princeton (N.J.) The Hun School appears to have set a date on when he'll make a decision regarding college he'll attend.

The 5-foot-10, 220-pounder is hoping to make a decision on which school he'll be attending on August 5th, his birthday.

"I think most likely I will commit on August 5th," he said. "I've got a couple combines coming up and then it's going to be a family decision."

Does this mean Rouson has a favorite, especially since Miami just offered?

"They are definitely a top choice for me," he said. "The other school I'm considering hasn't offered me yet, but I'll talk more about them after the combine in May. Miami is a top two school for me, but the other school is leading right now. My mind changes every day, Miami could be leading tomorrow."

What does the tailback think of Miami and the new offer?

"Growing up, Miami was always a dream school to me," he said. "It's a ticket to the NFL, no matter what coach is there. Obviously Larry Coker is my ticket to the NFL. Miami is great for football, weather and the athletes are great and I think I can be a great contributor to the team.

"My mind has changed some though; I'm looking at my life for other aspects and not just football. I'm looking somewhere to be close to family. I have family in California and Florida and I'm looking at finishing school for four years. I also know I'm not the quickest learner and I want a school that will help me with my studies and be the best for me academically, but also care about me too. I most likely won't stay in-state and I'm going to explore my options, but I have some favorites right now."

This summer Rouson plans to visit Miami, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Southern Cal. He went on to talk about what he likes about each school.

"My great grandmother lives in Elizabeth City, Virginia and I've been able to meet up with Al Groh and my dad (Lee Rouson) has a good relationship with him from the Super Bowl Giants team," he said. "My dad spoke to Maryland's football team and we like Ralph Friedgen and they offered me at the beginning of the year. I want to be a tailback in college though and they're recruiting me as a fullback."

Since he wants to be a running back in college, has any school recruited him for that position?

"Only Rutgers has recruited me as a tailback so far," he said. "I like coach Susan, he's been talking to me since my freshman year. Rutgers is a top five school for me and I look at them as a great opportunity and every school is in consideration still."

Another school that definitely interests the running back is Southern Cal.

"My dad was the number two recruit in 1979 and we've talked to Pete Carroll and USC is my dad's favorite college, even though he ended up at Colorado," he said. "They've always been a big name and it's my dad's dream school for me. They haven't offered yet and I'm looking for an offer, so they are definitely another big consideration."

Besides looking into colleges this spring, Rouson is also looking into high schools for next year.

"I'm looking at visiting Bergen Catholic or Don Bosco in April," he said. "I'm just not too focused on colleges yet, I want to see where I go for high school still, because I want to be able to play tailback and show the schools I can.

"Michigan's recruiting coordinator told me if I want to be a running back, I've got to show them I can play. I feel the only way I can make the statistics I'm supposed to is by leaving Hun."

This spring Rouson plans to attend the Elite College Combine at East Rutherford.

"I'm just focused on getting ready for the combines," he said. "I'm hoping to get a low 4.4 at the Elite."

The running back also plans to take the SAT on May 7th.

Currently, Rouson has offers from Rutgers, Syracuse, Virginia, Maryland and Miami.

Rouson was given the top running back award as last year's Elite College Combine.