West Chester East High School graduate and Temple University senior Rob Ritrovato started playing for the Owls as a walk-on linebacker before he earned a scholarship last season as a running back, writes Marc Narducci for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Ritrovato personifies what those in the program refer to as Temple ‘Tuff’ as he was recently rewarded with a single-digit number, which are coveted by the team.
“It was a great feeling and something you work for when you come to a place like this that puts such an emphasis on toughness and doing the right thing on and off the field on a daily basis,” said Ritrovato.
Nicknamed Nitro by linebackers coach Mike Siravo, Ritrovato has become one of Temple’s top special-teams performers.
“It is something I always tried to do,” he said. “I played on kickoff and kickoff return as a true freshman as a walk-on, and what came off the tape was my effort. That is the reason I played; I gave great effort.”
Read more about Rob Ritrovato in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.
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