CMU's Rush continues to be special

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Presented an opportunity, Cooper Rush has shown a knack for delivering.

Rush, Central Michigan's senior quarterback, had just one scholarship offer when he was coming out of Lansing Catholic High School in 2012 despite having been one of the most prolific passers in state high school history.

He took it.

Rush started the 2013 season, his redshirt freshman year, third on the depth chart. An injury to the starter and ineffective play by the backup had the CMU coaches summoning Rush from the bullpen in the first half of just the second game of the season.

The next week, Rush was starting. Opportunity seized. He is on schedule to make his 37th consecutive start when the Chippewas open the 2016 season against Presbyterian on Sept. 1 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Rush begins the year on both the Maxwell (college football's top player) and Davey O'Brien (top quarterback) preseason watch lists, and is already one of the best in CMU history. He ranks second in touchdown passes with 67 and third in passing yards (9,351), passes completed (744) and passing attempts (1,183).

"It's easy to get enamored with yourself and buy into your hype," said CMU coach John Bonamego, who has been in the coaching business for some three decades, more than half of that time in the NFL, "and I think the great players that I've been around don't do that. He's on an ascending path, and he's been on that path since he walked in the door. He wants to get better every day."

Rush has already graduated with a bachelor's degree, majoring in actuarial science, and is now taking credits toward a second degree. His undergrad grade point average was a sterling 3.86; he is a two-time MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete; and in 2014 was a Second Team Academic All-American.

That intelligence goes hand-in-hand with Rush's humility, his quiet confidence. And, his willingness to learn.

"He's very self-aware, which I think is a very rare quality in this day and age," Bonamego said. "It's just as important to know what your limitations are as it is to know your strengths."

And to work on them.

Rush quickly figured out when he joined the program in 2012 where to focus. Instead of simply biding his time and waiting his turn during his redshirt season, he took advantage of yet another opportunity.

"When I was a freshman, I watched every single thing Ryan Radcliff would do," Rush said in reference to Radcliff, one of two quarterbacks (Dan LeFevour is the other) who top the CMU career passing charts - a Mount Rushmore, if you will, of Chippewa signal-calling greats. "

Redshirt year, a lot of guys get in trouble because they take it off. That's a mental year basically. You're taking mental reps every day, watching film, practicing and constantly just absorbing as much as possible.

"It hasn't happened by accident or by magic, CMU offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Morris Watts said."He's come a long way," Watts said. "The No. 1 thing I can say is it's earned and well-deserved. He's passionate about the game. He puts in endless hours." If he walks through this office, he's going to dip into an office and sit down and watch some film. That's the way he's made himself, which is a great attribute to have. Instead of looking for ways to get away from football, he looks for ways to get more involved into the game. That's why he is where he is now."

Rush made a splash in his CMU debut, throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns in a 24-21 come-from-behind win over New Hampshire on Sept. 7, 2013. His ascension has been about as steady as the sunrise, not unlike his personality.

"When he first came in as a freshman, I think the biggest thing you noticed is that he threw a really catchable ball," said CMU wide receiver Jesse Kroll, who was the on the receiving end of Rush's first career completion in that New Hampshire game. "He threw a nice ball. The biggest difference I've noticed is that he's gained confidence. He's really put a lot of time into studying film and the game. He's a really smart guy."

Rush knows his role, too. As a quarterback, he has always had to lead. As a senior, that role becomes even more pronounced. What Rush has accomplished to this point in his career only lends to his credibility.

"It's a little different now being the old guy, having played a while," he said. "When you're a freshman or sophomore, you don't say much in that huddle. You just get in there and you really say stuff with your play."Now you can get in there and say, `We need you here' on this particular play or `Get deep on this route.' Guys tend to listen better if you've proven you can do it."

Rush will very likely drive home his point throughout the 2016 season. And then?

"He's got solid character - his character's beyond reproach," said Watts, whose coaching career spans five decades. "That's why I think he's got a legitimate chance at the next level. He's got the talent and then he's willing to work for however long he has to to eventually give himself a great chance."

Said Rush of a shot at professional football: "It's something Coach Bono talks about, that it's something everyone should be striving for in the back of their mind."Because to reach that goal you'll reach a bunch of other goals in front of it. I hope that opportunity comes."

He hasn't missed on one yet.