Michigan State Football: 25 best players of the Mark Dantonio era
- School record 53 career starts
- Honorable mention All-Big Ten (2013-14)
- Seventh in MSU history in sacks (18.5) and tackles for loss (37.5)
Marcus Rush embodies what it means to be a chip-on-the-shoulder Spartan. He’s a prime example of an underrated recruit who slipped through the cracks and thrived under Mark Dantonio with a little help from Pat Narduzzi.
Not many programs truly gave Rush a shot, but the Spartans gladly welcomed him and he ended up starting the most games (53) in school history. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection as a junior and senior, which may have been a slight snub, and he ranked seventh in Michigan State history in sacks. He’s also seventh in tackles for loss.
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Rush was an absolute animal coming off the edge and was a nightmare for opponents. He had a relentless motor and seemed to find his way into the backfield more often than not.
Before Shilique Calhoun made a name for himself at end, Rush was dominating Big Ten linemen and flying under the radar as one of the best defensive linemen in the conference.