Rousher Becomes Redhawk's First Commitment

Miami fans have long believed that if they can get a recruit to visit their campus, it will sell itself.  Canfield High School (Youngstown, OH) TE/DT Jimmy Rousher is the latest recruit to echo that idea.  When the hard-hitting 6’2, 255 lb senior visited in April, he immediately canceled all of his other college visits and camps.

“As soon as I walked around the campus and met the coaches, I was set on it.  I loved it,” Rousher told RedHawk Insider.  Jimmy, who plays offense and defense for Canfield, became Miami’s first verbal commitment on June 20th.  What’s it like to be the first to commit to a new coaching staff?  “I’m not worried at all after meeting Coach Treadwell.  The staff is very experienced and I’m excited for the opportunity,” he answered.  “They’re defending MAC champions and they won their bowl game, there’s nothing to be worried about,” Rousher continued, sharing the idea of many Miami fans that believe the RedHawks are rising to an elite level.

Miami fans are also likely to celebrate Rousher’s Ohio heritage, “My main priority was to play in Ohio.  No matter what school you play for, you’re representing Ohio, the whole state.”   Rousher takes pride in his work in the classroom as well.  With a 3.5 GPA, he plans on studying Exercise Science and mentioned that academics played a big role in his decision to come to Oxford in Fall 2012.

While he’s now focusing on Canfield’s success this Fall, Jimmy and the coaching staff are unsure of his placement on the field at Miami.  At his current size, Rousher could be used as a blocking tight end or run stopping defensive end in Oxford.  In all likelihood, though, Rousher will probably add strength and become a defensive tackle.  “My position is up in the air, but I’ll play wherever the coaches need me.  I’ll do what’s best for the team,” he said.   That attitude has coaches and fans smiling in Oxford as the football recruiting class of 2012 takes shape.