During an interview with the man who signed him with the Miami football program, rising junior defensive end Greg Rousseau told former Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt now of the ACC Network that he expects big things from his team in 2020.
Greg Rousseau had a breakout season with 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks for the Miami football program in 2020. During an appearance on the ACC Network on Sunday, Rousseau told his former head coach Mark Richt, now an ACC analyst that he expects big things from the Hurricanes in 2020.
The interview between Rousseau and Richt was on the ACC Network’s Instagram account. Rosseau spoke at length about him and his teammates holding each other accountable, the fact that the Miami football players gravitate towards Richt’s successor as head coach, Manny Diaz and that big things are ahead in 2020.
Rousseau will lead a Miami defense that is expected to be dominant rushing the passer. In addition to Rousseau, the Hurricanes added 2019 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Quincy Roche and get 2017 top-ranked recruit Jaelan Phillips eligible after redshirting following his 2019 transfer from UCLA.
Roche had 19 TFLs and 13 sacks for Temple last season. No one can match the production Miami had edge rusher in 2019 returning in 2020. The Hurricanes pass rusher should be lethal in 2020. Games like Florida State in 2019 are likely to be repeated this fall. Rousseau spoke extensively with his former head coach.
"We're going to do big things this year. I definitely believe it." @Greg_R5 is fired up for this upcoming season with @CanesFootball 😤 pic.twitter.com/pSemMOnv3k
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) April 19, 2020
"“We’re going to do big things this year. I definitely believe it,” said Rousseau. “(Diaz) is just one of those coaches that everybody just gravitates toward and rallies around. He’s a great leader. Accountability and trust.Just gaining the trust for one another, holding everyone accountable for the little things like not missing weigh-ins or not being late for anything, go to class, doing everything right. And we know that if we get all the little things right, we’re going to be real big-time at the end.”It’s real tough just not being around those dudes because we all love each other so much. We had that bond that we built with each other throughout the year, so it’s been tough, but we’ve been holding each other accountable through Zoom workouts, group chats to make sure we’re sending in our workouts.Everybody just knows each other’s working. We’re all holding each other accountable and that, when we get back, we’re all ready to go on the field and compete. We don’t know when that’s going to be, but we’re just staying ready. I bought a bench press for my garage.I use that, and then I go to the field and just run or run around my neighborhood, run a mile or two. I love him (defensive line coach Todd Stroud). He’s great. He’s an inspiration to us. He always comes to work with a smile on his face. He’s super funny. He’s hilarious. He’s just a great person to be around.His energy always reflects on the whole room. We’re always having fun.”"
Miami is expected to improve significantly in 2020 after finishing 6-7 in 2019. In addition to Roche, the Hurricanes also added highly publicized quarter D’Eriq King from Houston and kicker Jose Borregales as graduate transfer like Roche. Miami locked in more on quality than quantity as they did through the 2019 transfer portal.
As with everyone else in society, college football players are adjusting to a new normal. Miami was supposed to play their spring game and conclude practice April 11. Instead of being a weak out from finishing up spring practice. Miami held its fourth and final spring practice of what should have been 15 March 4.
Rousseau already sounds like one of the leaders of the Miami defense entering what will be his second season playing college football. Rousseau had a redshirt as a true freshman in 2018 after suffering a season-ending ankle injury. As Rousseau spoke about, defensive line coach Todd Stroud is inspiring.
Stroud battled a nearly fatal illness while the defensive line coach at Akron. He will likely have to be treated for it the remainder of his life. This should be a special season for Stroud, Rousseau and the defensive linemen for the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes should challenge for the program record of 52 sacks set in 1989.
Several Miami football players have posted their workouts on social media. Senior wide receiver Mike Harley has been among the most active. The Miami players have to continue to have the same attitude and hunger this fall that Rousseau is mentioning they are having while apart. That unity will be critical in 2020.