MSU DE Marcus Rush Talks Defense, Coaching, The Bullough’s and More!
MSU DE Marcus Rush Talks Defense, Coaching, The Bullough’s and More!
Q: First of all, what kind of spring do you think you’re having? You’re a guy that this isn’t really a big deal for you. Everyone knows how good you are. That’s already established. But how do you feel like you’re doing this spring?
A: I don’t really look at it like I’m good and don’t really need to work. I definitely need to get in and do some work out here every day. I got a lot of things I’ve been working on. I think overall this spring I’ve improved a lot since day one, so I’m definitely happy with that.
Q: Marcus, you’re a humble guy. But are you able to step back and realize, I’ve worked hard. I’ve paid my dues. Me and Max, we’re the guys. This is our defense.
A: Yeah, I think we need to step up. Definitely from me, I need to step up as a leader and be able to take guys under my wing, the younger guys. And make sure that they’re doing the right things at all times and they know that I’m the leader out there and they can trust me, whatever I’m doing.
Q: You’re buddies with Riley. Obviously the energy goes way up when Riley steps up at running back. Why is that?
A: I think it just motivates us more to wanting to hit him. This is our buddy. So being able to hit and then afterwards being able to talk to trash. That’s the fun part of football.
Q: Are you shocked that here he comes over and boom… A lot of people say he’s your best running back. Are you shocked by that or because you’re buddies you knew his athleticism?
A: I think yeah, overall he’s just extremely athletic. You can see that on the field. He’s got a motor and he’s got a heart. He has everything any football player needs to have. He’s doing a great job where he’s at.
Q: Talk about Max. You guys are buddies but you play so well together. What makes him so good?
A: Just being able to trust him. Whatever he’s saying, he’s right. And that’s something huge because I think everyone on the defense can trust what he’s doing as the right thing because he knows what football is all about. He’s in there on film just managing us. As coach Duzzi says, he’s a computer. That’s no lie.
Q: You are not arrogant, but you certainly don’t lack confidence. Is that a fair way of saying that about you?
A: Yep.
Q: You’re a guy that… You guys have dominated this spring. It’s no doubt that defense has dominated the offense. Is that a good feeling or, as a Spartan first, does that concern you?
A: It’s a good feeling for defense, no doubt. But I think it gives the offense a look to see what they need to… how much better they need to get as a whole. I think they’re doing that for sure. It’s really making them really wanna get better. I think that’s an advantage for having a good defense.
Q: Jamal Lyles is a backup defensive. I know he’s moved to #2 on the depth chart. Can you tell me what makes him a good defensive end?
A: Just like Riley, he’s extremely athletic. He’s fast, he’s obviously came from a linebacker so he’s got the speed. He just needs to learn the technique. He’s slowly working on it so if he just continues doing what he’s doing he’ll be a good player.
Q: I joked with you at the beginning of spring what Ron Burton meant and you basically said, I don’t know yet. So what’s he mean now?
A: Just, really a coach. There’s not much to it.
Q: Has he made you better?
A: Yes, no doubt.
Q: Tell me how.
A: Really just making sure I’m working on my fundamentals at all times. If I’m not doing the right thing he’s gonna be in my ear and letting me know about it. That’s definitely what he’s brought to the table.
Q: I wanna go back two years ago at spring ball. I was walking through the hall, Hey Marcus how are you? (grumbling) Now you’re having fun. Has it hit you yet, Okay I don’t have a whole lot of time left. I’m gonna enjoy it rather than dread it. You seem to be enjoying it more.
A: Yeah, I got a new look on it. I was younger, I didn’t have the opportunity I have right now. I’ve learned to really appreciate the game. Coming out here, I’ve really learned that you gotta come out here with that mind that you’re getting better. That’s really what I’ve been trying to work on this year.
Q: I gotta tell you a funny story. So I’m talking to Jamal and he’s talking about really listening to you. Has it hit you yet that, Wait a minute. I was just the young pup that was looking for direction. Now I’m the big dog.
A; Yup, it’s funny. That’s how college football is though. The roles, they change as you get older. That’s what he’s gonna learn as he gets older. He’s soon gonna pick up being the leader out there too and people are gonna being asking him the questions.
Q: You are so good and have been so good over your career. What do you wanna be better at next year? What’s something…when you watch the film this coming season you’re gonna say, See Marcus got better here.
A: Just working my techniques, really. Working on my hips. When I’m doing my blitzes and stuff that I’m happy. I’m not looking at the film and thinking, Man I really gotta change something dramatically.
Add us as a preferred source on Google