Rouse Has Surreal Official Visit To Notre Dame

It was a big weekend for Notre Dame and 2019 offensive lineman Walter Rouse‍. The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder visited South Bend in June, but immediately set up an official visit for the Michigan game.

Rouse was able to see Notre Dame top Michigan 24-17 on Saturday night, but he also got the full experience of what the Irish can offer on and off the field this weekend. 

“The game time experience was surreal,” Rouse told Irish Sports Daily. “From the player walk, to meeting former players to seeing the players run onto the field. Having a one on one with the Athletic Director was also enlightening as well as having a chance to talk with the President of the BSA.” 

For Rouse, the academic side of Notre Dame is just as important as the football side. On his June visit, Rouse was able to get a good feel for what the academics were like, but on this visit, the three-star prospect got a more in-depth look into the academic life at Notre Dame. 

“This time I had the opportunity to meet with the Director of Admissions, Mr. Mundy,” explained Rouse. “We discussed admissions requirements, courses, areas of study and hearing from him that he knew after our discussion and reviewing my materials there would be no doubt, football or not that I could and would excel at Notre Dame. 

“I also had previous conversations with Dr. (Brian) Ratigan but this time I got to meet him face-to-face and learn about his track on being a student, playing football both in college and the NFL and ultimately becoming a doctor, which is what I will become one day.”

Notre Dame offensive line coach Jeff Quinn hit the ground running with the 2019 recruiting class, but a commitment from Rouse would be the icing on one big cake. Quinn made sure to remind Rouse why Notre Dame is a good fit, but also why Rouse would be a good fit for the Irish. 

“Coach Quinn said I am a true fit for the program,” said Rouse. “He wants to coach me and that he even heard from the players that I would get along great with them. Coach Quinn and Coach Kelly stressed the Notre Dame success through the core values of education, excellence, community, faith and tradition.” 

Rouse returned to Maryland on Monday with a high bar set for the rest of his visits.

“It was a packed weekend,” Rouse said. “Lots of areas were covered.  I’m just glad I had the opportunity to experience it. I feel like now I am able to mentally narrow my schools down to two and make the best decision for me as I continue my academic studies and playing football at the next level.”