University of Connecticut Athletics
Rosa Part Of UConn's Homegrown Talent
8/4/2022 3:51:00 PM | Football
Aug. 4, 2022
STORRS – When University of Connecticut freshman running back Victor Rosa spoke with new head coach Jim Mora for the first time, he knew that the Huskies were creating something very special.
"They were talking about changing the culture," Rosa said. "The revolution is real. Everyone has to buy in like I'm buying in."
As the 2021 Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year, Rosa was a top recruiting target for the Huskies as his high school career at Bristol Central High School came to a close. Finishing with a 9-2 record in his senior season, the work Rosa put in spoke for itself as he dominated in-state competition.
Since he first stepped foot into the Burton Family Football Complex, Rosa fell in love with the state-of-the-art facility. It was just one of many examples that helped him  choose UConn as his college.
"A lot of our coaches that have been to other places have said how grateful we should be," Rosa said. "We have great facilities here. Everything is top notch."
UConn's freshman running back is part of the program's mission to put a priority on keeping homegrown talent in the state. Along with Rosa, the Huskies now carry a total of 13 players from the Connecticut on their current roster. Even coaches like UConn tight ends coach John Marinelli started their own coaching career in Connecticut, winning multiple high school state titles at Greenwich High School.
"It means a lot," Rosa said about placing a priority on in-state recruits. "You can just see a change happening."
With in-state talent like Travis Jones heading into his rookie season with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, it's provided inspiration and motivation for homegrown talent like Rosa. Jones, who grew up in New Haven, remained in Connecticut, chose UConn for his college destination, and ultimately has made the jump to the NFL.
Rosa is the very definition of an athlete. In high school, Rosa displayed the entire package of what's needed in a phenomenal football athlete -- a combination of speed, strength, agility and more. Under the UConn coaching staff, he's only trying to get better and better.
Heading into his freshman year at UConn, Rosa is determined to work hard in this new and improved UConn roster of talent. While he recognizes the obstacles ahead, it's a challenge he's ready to face.
"I'm just like every other freshman," he said. "We're all equal and we all have to earn our spot. They're not giving anything easy. I like that. I'm just here to work and I'm here to prove myself."
