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On a beautiful Race Day on Memorial day weekend in Indiana another defensive tackle linesman takes center stage in the countdown.
Michael Rouse III - Jr. (RS)
Hometown: Flossmoor, IL (Homewood Flossmoor)
Defensive Tackle
6'4", 305 pounds
2014 Projection: Possible starter at Defensive Tackle
Rouse certainly has the size to be a defensive tackle, and he is back at the position after spending some time on the other side of the line at offensive tackle early last season. The move did not work out, as Rouse was back on the defensive side of the football later on. He finished the year with seven tackles, one for loss, and a pass break up. He was primarily a reserve, but he departure of Bruce Gaston opens up a starter's role.
Rouse is likely in line to start along with Ryan Watson and Ra'Zahn Howard as Purdue is very thin up front. Johnny Daniels is coming off of a redshirt and everyone else is a true freshman or a walk-on, so the minutes will definitely be there for Rouse.