From OU to the NFL: Offensive tackle Walter Rouse
OU knew it needed a left tackle heading into the 2023 season. Head coach Brent Venables knew he was going to have to dip into the transfer portal.
Walter Rouse seemed like a good name to take a chance with. A multi-year starter at Stanford, why not? Boy, did it ever pay off. For OU, obviously, during the 2023 season. And now? With Rouse.
Rouse became the second member of the Sooners’ offensive line to hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was selected with the No. 177 overall pick in the sixth round by the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
2023 stats: Started all 13 games.
Career stats: Started 52 of 53 games at left tackle.
The proof was there during his time at Stanford. But OU fans didn’t know much about Rouse because he missed spring practice recovering from a torn labrum.
However, Rouse let everybody know who he was during the season. If you’re best ability is availability, Rouse is that guy. Playing such a grueling spot like left tackle, but he kept coming. All but one of his 3,410 career snaps were at left tackle.
Rouse did not allow a sack in his 480-pass blocking plays, according to Pro Football Focus. Someone who became an instant OU favorite with his personality and attitude.
He said he’s a Sooner for life despite just the one season in Norman. And OU fans are more than happy to welcome him into the OU-NFL fraternity. The difference he made with the Sooners? Rouse will obviously try to duplicate that again at the next level.
Best game
2023 vs. Texas (34-30 win). As obvious as obvious gets here. Two words: Double Block. You say it and everybody will forever know what that means. Rouse, on the game-winning touchdown against Texas in the final seconds, blocked two Longhorns at the same time. He didn’t realize it at the time, but it’s a play that will be etched in Red River Rivalry history. It was one of the 13 games where Rouse never allowed a sack from his left tackle position.
He says…
“Over the season, I got better and better. I was mad because I only had the one season. I was like, man, I’m really starting to figure this thing out. And I’m kind of upset that’s how things worked out because I just didn’t have another year with him. I just wanted more and more time. Because I truly believe that he’s helped made me become this great player. But I can be an even better player if I had more time with Coach Bedenbaugh. Take that coaching with Coach Bedenbaugh right now because it’s so crucial, is going to be helpful so much later on because he talks to NFL guys all the time. They listen to him.” – Rouse on his one season at OU
