No. 16 – Chad Rusinkovich
THIS YEAR: One of 9 transfers from 4-year programs to join the Cougars this year, sophomore Chad Rusinkovich is a hard-nosed, gritty wide receiver who gives the Cougars toughness among the receiving corps ... Could see time as a kick and/or punt returner as well.
SAN DIEGO: Spent 2 years at the University of San Diego, redshirting the 2007 season before playing in 10 games during his 2008 redshirt campaign ... Had 2 receptions for 16 yards and led the team with 16 punt returns for 114 yards ... Also had 1 rush for no yards for the 9-2 Toreros.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity football for head coach Eric Patton at San Clemente (Calif.) High ... As a 2006 senior was named All-CIF, All-Orange County, All-South Coast League and team MVP after tallying 69 receptions for 1,027 yards and a school-record 11 TDs for the 8-3 Tritons ... Was also named the school's male athlete of the year ... Earned all-league as a 2005 junior when had had 14 grabs for 292 yards and 3 TDs ... Was also a 3-year varsity letterman in basketball, earning all-league honors and team MVP as a senior, and ran track (sprints) for 3 seasons as well.
PERSONAL: Born Aug. 9, 1988, in Newport Beach, Calif. ... Parents are John (salesman) and Cheri (teacher) Rusinkovich ... Has 2 older brothers, both of whom played college football, Todd at Cornell and Jake at Northwestern College of Minnesota ... Majoring in physical education ... Would like to teach and coach on the high school level.
