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According to numerous sources in college football media, Miami star defensive end Gregory Rousseau is opting out of the 2020 season. I know there are mixed feelings about the Corona Virus, but there should be no mixed feelings about someone doing what they feel is right for their long-term health and the health of their family.
BREAKING: Manny Diaz announces that Canes Star DE, Greg Rousseau is opting out of the 2020 college football season.
— Will Manso (@WillManso) August 6, 2020
Rousseau was a projected 1st round pick by many in the NFL Draft scouting world. The six-foot-seven, 255 pound lineman logged 54 tackles a year ago, adding 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks to his resume as a redshirt freshman.
Spoke to Gregory Rousseau's brother a little while ago. Says the unknown long term effects of the coronavirus played the primary role in his decision to opt out this season. Their mother is an emergency room nurse and has seen a lot of young adults die from the virus, he said.
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) August 6, 2020
The long defensive end would have been a force to deal with for offensive linemen and quarterbacks had he stayed on. Miami was projected to have one of the best defensive lines in the country with Rousseau, Temple graduate transfer Quincy Roche, John Ford, Nesta Silvera, UCLA transfer Jalean Phillips, and a crew of younger up-and-coming players.
Blake Baker’s defense will now have to rely on a hopefully healthy Phillips to start opposite of Roche. Phillips is a former five-star prospect but had retired at UCLA due to injuries.