Aaron Rouse attended First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia where he played football and basketball. At one time or another, Aaron saw action at receiver, safety, linebacker, cornerback and running back at Colonial. As a junior, Aaron totaled 71 tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 interceptions on his way to first team all-district honors. As a senior he finished with 85 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 blocked kicks. On offense he caught 13 passes for 390 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was named district defensive MVP and received first team all-district and all-region honors. He finished his career with 176 tackles, 9 sacks, and a school record 8 blocked kicks. He accepted a scholarship to Virginia Tech where he sat out the 2002 season as a redshirt. He saw action in all 13 games the following season, primarily as a backup and special teams player. He did start one game that season. He finished the year with 46 tackles and 2 pass break-ups. Aaron suffered a sprained knee during spring practices in 2004, causing him to miss the team’s spring game. He saw action in all 13 games as a sophomore, finishing the season with 37 tackles. He earned a starting at safety as a junior after spending the previous two seasons at linebacker. He responded with a breakout season, totaling 77 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 5 pass break-ups on the year.

Aaron Rouse is a versatile player who has played both outside linebacker and strong safety for the Hokies over the past four years. He has a very good combination of size and speed for a safety. His physical skills allow him to matchup against just about any receiver he faces. As a former linebacker, he is a tough player who isn’t afraid to step up and support the run. He is very good in run support with solid tackling skills. His speed gives him the ability to make plays all over the field. He has only been playing safety for two years and he is still a bit raw. His lack of great instincts and ball skills can make him a liability in coverage. Aaron is a versatile player who could project at outside linebacker or strong safety in the NFL. If he plays linebacker, he will need to bulk up and increase his strength to be able to shed blocks of bigger, stronger, offensive linemen. If he plays safety he will need to improve his coverage skills. After being bounced around in college, Rouse would benefit from being able to concentrate on one position. He will be a bit of a project and he has a lot to learn, but he has all the tools to become a special player at the next level. He is a prime candidate to be a “workout warrior” who shoots up draft boards after putting up impressive combine numbers. But as it is right now, he looks to be a second day pick in the 2007 NFL draft.