Marshall University Athletics
MCGILL: Rohrwasser stays ready for this month's NFL Draft
4/3/2020 10:24:00 PM | Football, Word on the Herd
The former Herd kicker is working out in Buffalo
By Chuck McGill
HerdZone.com
The sports world is at a standstill, but there is one exception. In three weeks, the National Football League Draft will be completed on schedule.
The three-day, seven-round event will begin Thursday, April 23 and conclude on Saturday, April 25. Marshall's Pro Day, which was held the day before the Conference USA basketball tournaments were cancelled and sports across the country came to a screeching halt, drew several scouts to Huntington, West Virginia.
One of the Marshall players who drew the most attention: Justin Rohrwasser.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound kicker from Clifton Park, New York, put together an impressive performance. Since the coronavirus pandemic swept the nation, Rohrwasser has been working out in Buffalo, New York, and preparing for this month's draft.
"I bought a bunch of resistance bands and different weights that I can do in my apartment," Rohrwasser said. "I'm doing home workouts and doing jogs and walks downtown and throughout the city. Whenever we can, we get out to go kick. There's some parks that have fields, so I'm making sure I get out as much as I can and stay in rhythm."
It's not an ideal situation for a professional football prospect, but Rohrwasser is lucky in so many ways.
Number one, he has his health. Rohrwasser is sharing a residence with a punting prospect, so he is not alone in this period of self-isolation and social distancing.
Number two, Rohrwasser – unlike many other prospects – had the opportunity to perform in front of scouts. When the pandemic escalated, on-campus events and travel were cancelled, which meant some draft aspirants could not display their skills.
If a player performed well at a Pro Day, that could give the prospect a leg up on the competition. And, goodness, did Rohrwasser perform when the NFL scouts showed up at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex last month. He attempted 13 field goals, making 12. He connected from these yardage distances: 33, 33, 35, 39, 42, 45, 47, 49, 52, 55 and 58.
Rohrwasser's one miss: 66 yards, wide right. He wasn't short, either, as the kick missed by only inches, but halfway up the upright.
"I can't even put a price on that," Rohrwasser said. "It was invaluable to me. I was able to get a lot of eyes on me through that and kick in front of different scouts and special teams coordinators, which was special. You can't put a price on a coach seeing you, getting to meet you and talk to you."
While in Buffalo, Rohrwasser said he has had contact with 12 NFL teams. Front offices have adapted to the circumstances and conducted video meetings and interviews.
"It's really good to consistently talk to these coaches and let them know where I'm at in my training," Rohrwasser said. "They tell me what their interest is and what their process. It's good to build those relationships."
There's little doubt why NFL front offices would have an interest in Rohrwasser. He finished his senior season with 18 field goals on 21 attempts, including a long of 53. That career long was memorable, as it came on the game's final play to seal the win against Western Kentucky.
Rohrwasser also made 35 of 36 extra points and handled kickoff duties, recording 33 touchbacks in 62 attempts.
All of that helped Rohrwasser win the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year award. He was a first team all-conference selection and Marshall's Special Teams MVP.
While he awaits his pro football fate, Rohrwasser is staying safe in Buffalo. He is close enough to visit his hometown, but he wants to keep his parents safe.
He has passed the time by watching the popular Netflix documentary, "Tiger King," and listening to his regular podcasts. Rohrwasser is optimistic about the future.
"I find the coronavirus and the whole pandemic happening – it's so sad – but it's very interesting to see how amazing the people of the country can be," he sad. "People think we're so divided watching people come together for a common cause is refreshing."
Chuck McGill is the Assistant Athletic Director for Fan/Donor Engagement and Communications at Marshall University and an eight-time winner of the National Sports Media Association West Virginia Sportswriter of the Year award. In addition to HerdZone.com's Word on the Herd, McGill is the editor of Thundering Herd Illustrated, Marshall's official athletics publication. Follow him on Twitter (@chuckmcgill) and Instagram (wordontheherd).
