Passing the test
Sophomore quarterback Cooper Rush is a man of few words.
Three consecutive 200-yard passing games has earned Rush the respect of both his teammates and opposing defenses. This week, he took time to speak with Central Michigan Life about his goals and life both on and off the field.
How would you rate your performance so far this season? Are you doing better than you expected to?
Rush: “There were a couple of games already this season that I wish I could get back. We’ve got a little win streak going right now. We’re trying to keep that going and that’s the most important thing.”
What has been working so well with the offense lately? How do you make sure you improve on a game-by-game basis?
“We are getting much more explosive plays. It’s not that we are completing more passes or anything like that. It’s the plays are for more yards. That’s been really key for us, lately.”
What is the most rewarding part about playing quarterback at the college level?
“First off, we get to go to school for free. Coaches and everyone always talk about that all the time. We are really lucky. But winning big games is what it is all about. That’s why you play as hard as you do. It’s everything.”
Who or what serves as your biggest motivation to succeed?
“I’m always competing with myself. I constantly want to do better than I did the week before. It feels like some days I’m pushing myself so hard to do this or that better. That’s what keeps me competitive.”
How much of your life is consumed by being a college football player?
“There is a balance. It’s hard sometimes. Sometimes you have to just take a couple of hours to do some homework or play some video games or something. Once you find that balance, it’s not bad.”
What is the offseason like for you? Do you work as hard or harder then than you do during football season?
“The main thing is learning as much as you can from the season that just happened. I always want to be bigger, stronger and faster than I was before. A lot of time is spent in the film room. It’s an important time.”
Who is your closest friend on this team and why?
“A lot of guys are close on this team. That’s a little different than normal. We all hang out. Anyone can have a conversation with anyone in the locker room. It’s not divided. It’s a little different, but for a college football team we are pretty close.”
Coach Enos says you prepare like an NFL quarterback. What does that entail?
“You’ve got to prepare as best you can. You need to be almost scared that you are not going to be prepared. You just keep doing that over and over again and meanwhile you are never really comfortable.”
What parts of the game are coming easier to you as your career progresses?
“Game management. Everything from calling the play in the huddle to seeing what the defense is doing. Everything is just coming easier and easier.”
Who is one or two QB’s you aspire to be like some day?
“I love watching (Peyton) Manning and Drew Brees. All those great athletic quarterbacks I love watching. Just how they go about everything. They make sure they know that everyone is in the right place and what the defense is doing. They’re amazing.”
What would you like to do after you graduate? If you keep getting better, do you think you could play in the NFL one day?
“I think those goals are important. They should always be in the back of your mind. You want to set high goals and you will reach other ones trying to reach the big one. “
What has Central Michigan University as an institution meant to you now halfway through your time here?
“It’s everything right now. I love it here. There a great people here. . This was my only offer and my only chance.”
