Where did Walter Rouse go to College

Walter Rouse, an offensive lineman, was taken by the Minnesota Vikings in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL draft with the 177th overall pick. He formerly played for the Stanford Cardinals. Rouse is the grandson of Vic Rouse, a former NBA player best known for scoring the game-winning jumper as time expired in overtime during the 1963 NCAA championship game. He is 6 ft 6 in tall with a weight of 323 lb.

Back in 2023 in an article in Bloomberg, it was stated that Walter Rouse chose football above studies in pursuit of an NFL career. Rouse, a past William V. Campbell Trophy finalist, planned to study biomechanical engineering at Stanford. However, a damaged labrum and a dismal Stanford season forced him to reconsider his plans.

He chose to join the transfer portal rather than the NFL draft, eventually landing at Oklahoma. At Oklahoma, Rouse switched to a multidisciplinary studies major, essentially putting his academic objectives on hold. This choice has elicited various emotions, but Rouse's mother is certain that he will eventually complete a degree.

Walter Rouse College

Stanford

During his time at Stanford, Rouse played in 40 games and made 39 starts. Rouse appeared in 12 games as a freshman in 2019, starting 11 of them. During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Rouse would start all six games for the Cardinals.

In 2021, Rouse would play and start all 12 games for Stanford. Rouse played and started 10 games for the Cardinals in 2022. Rouse received an honorable mention from the Pac-12 for his work in the 2022 season.

Oklahoma

Rouse originally wanted to transfer to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. However, Rouse opted to reverse his pledge to play for the Oklahoma Sooners. During the 2023 season, Rouse appeared in and started all 12 games for the Sooners, earning a Big-12 honorable mention. After the 2023 season, Rouse declared for the 2024 NFL draft.

Career Stats

Walter Rouse High School

Rouse went to secondary school at Sidwell Friends School. Rouse was a three-star prospect coming out of high school, and he opted to go to Stanford to play collegiate football. Walter was a highly regarded high school football player. He was ranked among the nation's top tackles by several recruiting agencies (Rivals: 34, PrepStar: 36, ESPN: 44, 247Sports: 53), as well as Maryland's No. 2 prospect (PrepStar), No. 4 (247Sports), and No. 5 (ESPN, Rivals). Walter Rouse, a two-time team captain, was nominated for the prestigious 2019 Big 33 Game and Gatorade Player of the Year awards.

His honors went beyond nominations. He was a two-time All-State selection (DCSAA 2017-18), as well as a member of the 2018 All-USA Today D.C. First Team and the 2017 Second Team.

He also won an honorable mention for All-Met in 2018 and the Sidwell Friends Coaches Award. Walter Rouse dominated the offensive line, winning two all-league first-team selections (2017-18) and demonstrating his abilities at the 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame World Bowl in Mexico City.

His athletic abilities were not restricted to football. Walter Rouse, a member of the 2015 state championship team, shined on both sides of the ball as a senior, earning 60 tackles and 3 sacks on defense and 18 pancakes on offense. As a junior, he extended his domination with 97 tackles (nine for loss), seven sacks, 10 pancakes, and two touchdowns. Walter Rouse was a well-rounded athlete who also played basketball, where he was a two-time team captain and helped his team win the 2017 conference championship.

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