Michigan State Football: 5 most productive players in Mark Dantonio Era

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 29: Marcus Rush #44 of the Michigan State Spartans during the game against he Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 29, 2014 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Marcus Rush redshirted in 2010 and then found his way into the starting lineup from 2011-2014. He was a solid player coming out of Archbishop Moeller in Cincinnati. However, he proved to the be catalyst for Michigan State when they needed plays.

The underrated defensive end hand blocked a Baylor field goal attempt that if good would have made it next to impossible for the Spartans to win the 2015 Cotton Bowl. He knew how to set the edge and do his part and then some on the defensive line. When he graduated the Spartan defense felt his absence.

Rush was a three-star player, but he was invaluable to MSU’s success on defense. He was the straw that stirred the drink for that defensive line.

For fans looking for a comparison, current defensive end Kenny Willekes is similar to Rush, however, the current rising star is more athletic. The defensive end has to keep contain on the edge and Marcus was great at doing that. His work ethic was missed in that 2016 campaign. He is currently on the practice squad of the Denver Broncos.

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