Marshall University Athletics
Herd's Jasperse, Rouse Selected for All-Star Games
1/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall center Chris Jasperse and defensive tackle James Rouse have accepted invitations to participate in a pair of all-star games later this month.
Coming off his fine performance in Saturday’s Medal of Honor Bowl, Jasperse will play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 24. The game will be held at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT in Ladd-Peebles Stadium and be televised by NFL Network.
Jasperse played more than 4,000 career snaps and was a member of the Rimington Award Watch List. He was a consensus pick by preseason publications as an All-Conference USA center and secured first-team postseason all-conference honors as well. He started every game in his Marshall career – 53 – since being redshirted as a walk-on in 2010 (FBS-level school record).
This is Marshall’s fourth Senior Bowl invitation in as many years as tight end Gator Hoskins played last season, wide receiver Aaron Dobson was named to the 2013 game and defensive end Vinny Curry participated in 2012.
Rouse has been selected to play in the College Gridiron Showcase, an all-star game for 2014 seniors at Maverick Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The game – Wranglers vs. Desperados -- is scheduled Jan. 31 at 2:30 p.m. (ET) on the UT-Arlington campus.
Rouse, a 6-foot-5, 271-pounder from Harrisonburg, Va., was a two-time All-Conference USA first team selection for Coach Doc Holliday’s Herd. The defensive tackle was the 2013 Herd Team MVP, and over the last two seasons his play helped Marshall to a 23-5 record, a C-USA title and two bowl victories.
Rouse will play for the Wranglers’ team in the Gridiron Showcase.
After missing nearly two Marshall seasons following serious injuries (knee, Achilles) and subsequent surgery, Rouse returned the last two seasons to record 24.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 quarterback sacks despite being regularly double-teamed.
Quarterback Rakeem Cato will play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Saturday in Carson, Calif. The game will be televised on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. (ET).
