Jermauria Rasco Maintains LSU’s D-Line Tradition
For the past decade, LSU football has made a name for itself on the defensive side of the ball. This can be attributed to the kinds of players and leaders on the defensive front, many of whom developed into quality NFL-caliber players from their time with the Tigers. Now, the torch has been passed to Jermauria Rasco, one of the senior leaders, who has risen to the occasion and become a dominant force for the Tigers on defense.
Rasco came to LSU in 2011 as a highly touted recruit hailing from Shreveport, La. He played sparingly his first two seasons as he was competing for playing time against the likes of Sam Montgomery, Michael Brockers and Barkevious Mingo.
“The talent was out the roof my freshman year… I just had to push my tail every day and just try to get the reps I could,” said Rasco. “When I first got here, that group of upperclassmen in 2011 tried to pull me in early and tried to explain to me all of the stuff that I’m now explaining to the younger guys. I was hard-headed; I didn’t listen to their side.”
However, despite some of his early stubbornness, Rasco continued to make strides and eventually worked his way into the starting role last year. But even though he was a starter, it didn’t quite hit him at first.
“The first half of the season, I was just happy to be the starter. It really didn’t click for me until the back end of the season that anybody can be a starter, it’s just all about how you play when you’re out there,” explained Rasco. “When that finally clicked in, I’ve been just trying to play every game like it was my last and just put it all out on the field, because you’re just one snap away from being done for the rest of your life.”
Since coming into the starting role, he has made a tremendous impact and produced strong numbers, but he feels that this is his breakout year and he hopes everyone else notices his improvement.
“Honestly, I feel like the game has slowed down for me (this year) just because I’ve become more of a student of the game and watching more film. (I’ve been) really just paying attention to all the little things that (LSU defensive line) Coach Brick Haley has been preaching to us,” said Rasco. “When I came here as a freshman, I really didn’t care to pay too much attention. Now, I’m really trying to get each and everything I can from him, because it’s my last go-around and I want it to be the best.”
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With expectations high this year, Rasco hasn’t disappointed. Through nine games this season, Rasco has totaled 42 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, and he still has the opportunity to pad his stats with three games left to go.
“Expectations for myself were to just finish this season the best way that I can and just play better than I did last year, and so far that’s what I think I’ve been doing and hopefully that’s what everybody else sees,” said Rasco.
This will be Rasco’s last season at LSU. He is set to graduate in December, something he never thought would happen. “Off the field, the best moment is right now with the process of graduating,” said Rasco. “I never thought I would be able to graduate from college because my freshman year, that wasn’t my plan. But to say that I’m doing it now, it’s unbelievable.”
Rasco realizes that he plays a pivotal role in the development of the younger players. He realizes that it is his responsibility to pass the torch to the next group of guys and make sure they carry on the legacy of great defensive linemen at LSU.
“Now I’m the only senior on the D-line and we have a few juniors and a lot of sophomores, so I’m just trying to tell the guys the best way I can ‘Don’t wait until your senior year to get it.’ The quicker you get it, the better your career here will be,’” said Rasco.
Rasco’s final home game will be against Alabama. Being that it is one of the most important games of the season for the Tigers, he fully plans on making that night special.
“To say this is going to be my last college game at LSU, I might shed a tear or two, but I’m going to try and hold it in,” said Rasco. “At the same time, if it’s in God’s plan for us to come out on top, that would be even better.”