Roussel Puts His Best Foot Forward
Balancing Academics With Football May Not Be Easy, But It?s Been Worth it for Tulane's Punter
By John Sudsbury
Casey Roussel was a sought-after prospect at St. Charles High School. Several schools, including Alabama, Ole Miss and Auburn, came calling, hoping to entice the all-state kicker.
When it came time to choose, the Paulina, La., native opted to move 50 miles down the road to TulaneUniversity. He relished the chance to develop his game indoors at the Superdome and wanted his family to attend the majority of his games.
Perhaps even more important, he understood the value of a Tulane education - despite the added work it entails.
"I am sure it could have been [easier at another school]," Roussel said. "Other universities are more athletically inclined. But here, once you leave the Wilson Center, it is academics. It has kept me focused. I know that when I get in class, it is class time. The people around you aren't talking and yapping about football, they're talking about school."
Looking back at his four years at Tulane, Roussel sees several factors that helped him survive the rigors of his dual-life of student and athlete. In fact, he has thrived in the classroom.
Roussel has been a member of Tulane's 3.0 Academic Club as an organizational information technology major. He is on track to earn his degree in May and is considering pursuing an MBA or a finance degree.
However, his football achievements may force him to postpone post-graduate work.
The senior entered the 2001 season as Tulane's all-time leader in punting average. Among returning punters, Roussel ranks fourth nationally. His skills with his foot have placed him on the "Watch List" for the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the nation's best punter.
Through hard work and dedication, Roussel has put himself in a position where an NFL career is not out of the question.
"I am going to give it everything I've got [to pursue a professional career]," Roussel promises. "All I want is a chance. I think if I keep doing as well as I'm doing and give my best effort, I think I'll get that chance. I just pray to God and hope that he gives me the chance."
Watching Roussel during a game, you may think his punting comes as second nature. He stands on the sideline, often alone, watching the action, silently rooting for his team to NOT let him do his job. As soon as the Green Wave slips to third down, Roussel buckles his helmet in place and moves towards the action, ready to perform.
However, despite his high school success and honors, including all-metro and all-state, Roussel was not ready for big-time college football back in 1997.
"I had a good understanding of the city and the life down here, but the football was a shock to me," Roussel remembers. "Going from high school to college is a huge step. It took a while to adjust to it. At first it was tough just getting used to college life and being on my own. [Punting and kicking] is a similar thing [from high school to college] but you are just expected to perform on a different level."
While his punting life was completely different because of the level of play, Roussel?s entire football life was altered.
"In high school, I played defense as well, so for the entire practice I was involved with defense," Roussel said. "But here, we [punters and kickers] are on our own for the most part. It's a lot of responsibility. They expect that when you get in there, you will do your job and perform. It is a lot of responsibility knowing that there's not a coach hollering at you and telling you what to do and when to do it. You have to take a lot of responsibility, practice on your own and get your job done, so when you get in there, you perform."
Couple that transition with the rigors of a typical Tulane academic life and a person needs a strong support group.
"One of the biggest parts of my success has been my parents," Roussel says. "I can't tell you how many times I've gone home, after a tough off-season or working out or running or a tough test or something. My parents have always been there, always, every time. They have never pressured me into doing great, but they have always been behind me. It has really been awesome that I can go to them and talk to them and always feel 100 percent better when I leave."
Roussel has always been close with his family. The surprising addition to his support group at college was his freshman roommate. Another Louisiana native, his roommate traveled five hours south from Ruston to look for success on the gridiron: Green Wave quarterback Patrick Ramsey.
"We had no clue who each other was until the first day we met," Roussel remembers. "But we've been the best of friends. I think it has been a big part of our success in that we have been real close. We talk about it all the time. They couldn't have paired us up any better. They could not have picked two people to room together that would have been better for each other. It has really worked out great. Not only are we as close as any two people, but it has been a big help for us."
The two freshmen developed together. Neither played their first year. Ramsey saw limited action in 1998 as both enjoyed the Wave's undefeated season. In 1999, the duo stepped into key roles, but saw the team struggle. By last season, Roussel and Ramsey were team leaders, helping the Wave to three straight wins to close the season. Now they are in their final season.
"I've always said before that there is always another year," Roussel says. "Now I realized in camp that this is really it. It has inspired me to work a whole lot harder and put a lot more into it. I think I am a lot more focused on where I want to go. I want to give my best effort and be a leader on the team."
As Roussel looks at the final year of his Tulane career and prepares for a possible professional career, he does not forget how he reached this point. Quick to credit those who have assisted him in his life, Roussel is also quick to give back. A counselor for the last three years at Ray Guy Kicking Camps, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a volunteer for the Special Olympics, Rousselis very active in the community.
"I feel that God blessed me with the talent, it was his gift to me; my gift back to him is to use that gift to the best of my ability," Roussel says. "I don't think that only includes performing on the field, but also helping other people get to where I am. I have gotten here because of hard work and dedication and because of guys who spent their time teaching me, so I feel that if I have that ability to teach other people, I think I ought to do it. I love going to those camps and helping those kids out. If it wasn't for those guys when I went to those camps, I wouldn't be here today."
Though the path to success may not have been easy, between life transitions, college struggles and football battles, Roussel is pleased with the direction of his life.
Roussel thinks briefly before saying, "I have no regrets. It's been tough, it hasn?t been easy trying to keep up with school and play football. It is extremely demanding, but I wouldn't trade this for anything, the friends that I have made and the experiences that I've had. I don't regret anything at all. I can't think of one thing that I can rightfully say I wish I could change."