Cooper Rush focuses on senior campaign, potential NFL future
DETROIT-- During the summer, Cooper Rush was receiving tips from a well-known group of brothers to prepare him for his senior season with the Central Michigan football team.
The quarterback participated in the Manning Passing Academy in June, a camp run by New York Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning and former Denver Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning.
The camp—which annually hosts some of the top collegiate quarterbacks in the country—gave Rush confidence as he headed into his final campaign.
“That was a great experience. To be around great college quarterbacks and see the Manning’s was cool," he said. "Just being around other quarterbacks, watching them and throwing with them, (let me know) that we’re all kind of the same. We all work hard and do the same things, so you’re right on the right track.”
Last season, Rush was selected to the All-MAC second team. He finished his junior campaign with 25 passing touchdowns, 324 completions and a school single-season record 3,848 yards—surpassing CMU legend Dan LeFevour.
Rush needs 3,552 yards to surpass LeFevour as the all-time leader in passing yards for the Chippewas.
"I can't wait to get going," Rush said. "I can't believe it's already the last (year), but I'm fortunate to have played in a lot of games. I'm looking forward to making this one count."
Heading into his final season in the Maroon and Gold, the Charlotte native said he wants to add to his game, but not so much from an ability standpoint.
“I’ve been really taking more of a leadership role and teaching the young quarterbacks and receivers, basically getting everyone on the same page,” Rush said. “Being around so long I can afford to do that.”
Central Michigan football coach John Bonamego said he’s noticed Rush’s determination to be a better leader for the Chippewas.
“He’s improving every day and I see him becoming a better leader,” he said. “He’s always been a great leader. I think that he’s taking a step forward in that regard and being more vocal. It's all signs of a maturing player.”
Not only has the country taken notice in Rush’s abilities by naming him to the to the watch list for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. placed Rush among the top senior quarterbacks for this fall.
Even Western Michigan coach P. J. Fleck said Rush has a career at the next level.
“(Rush) is an NFL quarterback,” Fleck said. “He’s going to be playing on Sunday’s next year at this time. I don’t know if you can ever stop him. You just have to find a way to contain him.”
But knowing a potential career in the NFL may just be a year away doesn't add pressure on Rush for when he steps on the field.
“Once you’re out there, all (the pressure) goes away and you’re just playing football,” Rush said. “(The NFL) has always been a goal. Coach Bono talks about how your goal should be to play in the NFL, and I have a chance to. Entering the season, I just want to go out and play and let the other things take care of themselves.”
