Name: Shawn Rouse
School: Missouri Western State
Position: OT
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 290

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

Some team goals that I set in my last season were to win conference and make it to the playoffs or postseason. Another team goal was to leave the place better then when I got there. Some individual goals that I set were to be a four-year starter, make all-conference honors for the third time, and to make D2 academic All-American. Our team did not win conference but ended third in the standings at 9-3 in the MIAA. We were close to a playoff game but instead our team went to the Texarkana Live United Bowl for the second year in a row and won again. I believe that the team is in a better place. My first year we went 4-7 and in my last year we went 9-3 with a post season game. As for personal goals, I started all 46 games at left tackle in my career. I made second team all-conference (three time all-MIAA conference selection) and received first team D2 academic All-American.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say that I am a leader by example and do things right on and off the field. They would say that they don’t notice me all the time because I am doing my assignment without error which is a complement because offensive linemen are only noticed when we are messing up.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

When studying film, I go down the line and look at what all five positions did and if they did the play right or wrong and what I would do to correct if I was in their situation. If they did it right, I will think of how to make the play better since there is always room for improvement on any play. As an offensive lineman you must be versatile and able to play all the positions. Looking at everybody can make you ready to go into that position when your name is called. The next thing I focus on are the defensive linemen. I look at alignment and if I can pick out when they are doing certain things like twisting or slanting to be ready when in the game. I also look at their go to moves to be ready for when they try to use them on me.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

What separates me from other Pro Prospects at my position are that I learn offenses fast. I had three different offensive coordinators in the years that I played. When I learn the offenses, I don’t have mental busts when playing. I can also read defenses pretty well predicting what will be happening during the play. I can also block in space on screens very well.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My offseason plans are to train on campus with a couple of my teammates because it is easier to train with people that will push you then by yourself. I plan on shaving time off of my 40 yard dash.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

The strengths and abilities I will bring to a team on and off the field are my work ethic, leadership, and intelligence. I arrive early to everything and do anything possible to get better. I lead by example which means doing the right things on and off the field. This can help people steer towards the right direction on and off the field. My intelligence can not only help me on the field, but it can also help with problem solving off the field with not only my problems but anybody that I can help out.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

My final pitch to the NFL or any other Pro Leagues is that I will do whatever it takes to get to the next level. It has been a dream and a goal to get to the next level. All I need is an opportunity and I will do my best to help the team in any way I can.