JAKE RAULERSON

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN/DEFENSIVE END – 6’5″ – 262 LBS – CELINA

IF FOOTBALL DOESN’T work out for Jake Raulerson — Texas’ newest, potential two-way player — he could easily have a future in sales, recruiting or even politics. Raulerson, a 6’5”, 268-pound ball of energy, was the first commit to the 2013 class, pledging his loyalty to all things burnt orange before Texas’ first Junior Day
back in February 2012.

From the day he …

[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]

 gave his verbal commitment, Raulerson started helping the Texas coaches assemble the rest of the powerful (but smaller than normal) class of incoming freshmen. Raulerson himself was one of the nation’s most sought-after players. As a dominating right/ defensive tackle for 3A powerhouse Celina, Raulerson received scholarship offers from more than 40 colleges, thanks mostly to his engine.

“Going all out is something my dad taught me at an early age,” Raulerson said. “If you don’t start working hard from the beginning, you’ll condition yourself to be lazy. He said there are no shortcuts in life. You work for what you get.” His work ethic shows in the number of camps and combines he’s participated over the years. Raulerson looks to grab reps from other players whenever possible, and is willing to practice at both center and defensive end.

“I wanted to go to every combine and outwork everyone I saw,” he said. “It’s the little things — running at the front of the line, finishing a drill past the line, not taking breaks. I don’t take days off. You should put out maximum effort in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s working out, weightlifting or running. You can take your dreams as far as you want if you believe.” “That’s totally his personality,” Rivals.com recruiting analyst Brian Perroni added. “He’s attended every camp and combine that would have him for three years now. He’s always the most talkative, and competitive.”

Raulerson’s drive and constant effort earned him an invitation to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl — characteristics he’s carried to the 40 Acres. The tenacious blocker has already arrived on campus and will start out at center in spring drills. Some think Raulerson should redshirt this season while he tries to gain the 30-plus pounds he needs to become effective on the Longhorns’ offensive line. He’s already up eight pounds of muscle, however, and continues to thrive in the weight room.

Raulerson stated that he came to Texas because of the potential impact from Bennie Wylie, the Longhorns’ strength and conditioning coach. “Wylie was a major factor,” Raulerson explained. “He’s going to make me a monster. I picked Texas, considering players spend 90 percent of their time with the strength coach.” In addition to his motor, the Texas coaches appreciate Raulerson’s personality. “They call me their ‘bell cow’… their leader,” he said. “I always try to lead. I’m a winner. I don’t like losing, so I’m going to try my best.”

[/s2If]
[s2If current_user_is_not(s2member_level2) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level3) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level5) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level6)]

The rest of this article is available to Digital Subscribers only. Login or Subscribe to continue reading.
[/s2If]