Gregory Rousseau opts out of 2020 college football season

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau has decided to opt-out of the 2020 season.

It’s more news of opt-outs across the college football landscape, as Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau has decided to pass on the 2020 season. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Brett McMurphy. The news actually broke during a Manny Diaz zoom call with reporters once Diaz found out.

This marks another high caliber prospect to opt-out of the season, as Rousseau joins Rashod Bateman, Micah Parsons, and Caleb Farley. All will also be entering the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rousseau, a redshirt sophomore heading into the season, put up great numbers in 2019. He registered 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, both of which led the ACC. Many analysts expected a big year again in 2020, one that would shoot him up draft boards.

Rousseau has plenty of tools that have scouts and analysts enamored as the page turns to the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s a great athlete who shows a strong first step and the ability to threaten the outside track when lined up on the edge. Most of his production came when he lined up on the interior, where he used his quickness and strength to beat guards to the quarterback.

While the tools are there, questions still exist in his game. Teams and analysts want to see better technique, from his hand usage to a better plan of attack. It’s nice he produced in 2019, but when your best production comes from the interior with the body type of an edge, it’s a little concerning. There’s no doubt in respecting his decision, but it’s definitely disappointing we won’t see him suit up this fall.

It will be interesting to see how the Hurricanes handle losing Gregory Rousseau. Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips will likely be the starters on the edge for the fall, both of whom will be fun to watch. Eyes will be focused on Rousseau throughout the process for sure, as he’s the consensus EDGE1 right now.