Kent Nishimura / Ka Leo O Hawai̢۪i

It̢۪s been a couple of years since a Fresno State football player had their own theme music.

Who could forget watching former Bulldog Clifton Smith carving up opposing teams with his ridiculous juke moves, blazing speed and always ending things with his patented point to the student section.

And just like his “Batmanâ€Â nickname implies, Smith did all of these things without the other team seeing him or getting a hand on him.

Smith could do it all. Run the Wildcat, line up at receiver, return kicks, save Gotham City, entertain ESPN̢۪s cameramen or just take a straight handoff out of the I-formation.

Anytime the Bulldog Marching Band started playing Neal Hefti’s patented “Batmanâ€Â theme song from the 1960s TV series, the Red Wave knew Smith had the potential to single-handedly change the momentum of a ballgame – something the 2008 Bulldogs missed dearly.

But low and behold a new hero has emerged from the depths of Southern California to rejuvenate the ̢۪Dogs in 2009.

During the day he may look like a mild-mannered college student – think Peter Parker or Clark Kent, but a lot shorter.

Hell, at 5-foot-7 most people would guess this guy is still in junior high.

However, watch him don the red and white this Saturday and you̢۪ll see that freshman tailback Robbie Rouse is the X-factor Fresno State has needed since Smith̢۪s departure.

Similar to Smith (5-foot-8), Rouse isn̢۪t the tallest guy in the world (understatement) but at 185 pounds of pure muscle, he definitely can move a pile. Smith weighed 190.

Moving the pile, punishing opposing defenders and picking up short yardage aren’t necessarily Rouse’s “super powersâ€Â if you will.

His No. 1 asset? Invisibility….stay with me Red Wave.

Rouse commented earlier this season that the reason he is so successful is because the defenses he faces can̢۪t see him due to his height.

When a defender can finally see Rouse̢۪s No. 8 jersey coming at him how they hell are they supposed to bring him down?

I mean honestly, try getting leverage on someone who̢۪s 5-7 and a buck-85 when they̢۪re coming at you full speed.

That̢۪s not even considering Rouse̢۪s Clifton Smith-like ability to juke a defender or use his speed to bounce a run to the outside.

Because of all of this, Rouse has earned the nickname “Mighty Mouseâ€Â from his teammates and the band has already started implementing the theme song during games.

And talk about a heroic ascent, Rouse has climbed to No. 2 on the depth chart behind Ryan Mathews, the nation̢۪s leading rusher.

He̢۪s getting more carries than seniors Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding, who led the team in rushing in 2008.

Rouse averages 54 yards per game and has four touchdown runs.

Here’s a scary thought for WAC defensive units – a backfield with Rouse, Mathews and Ebahn Feathers at quarterback.

Who do you key on in that situation?! Who is the most dangerous to score?

Rouse is quickly becoming a hero for Bulldog fans everywhere. The Red Wave loves those players that run hard every play, lay hat and defy the odds.

Last Saturday against San Jose State, the coaching staff had Rouse in on the kickoff team as a wedge buster (a.k.a the guy who̢۪s supposed to blow up the blockers̢۪ wall)! And he had a solo tackle!

Size and diminutive stature be damned! Look at Darren Sproles of the San Diego Chargers. When he was at Kansas State he finished fifth in the Heisman race and he stands at 5-foot-6.

That doesn̢۪t mean Rouse will be heading to New York anytime soon, but his presence in the Bulldog offense will be felt for the next four years.

So if you̢۪re still worried about the departures of Miller, Harding and potentially Mathews, rest easy Fresno State.

“Mighty Mouseâ€Â Robbie Rouse is here to save the day.