Recruited for offense, defense could be the future for one South Carolina commit

Well before his senior season, South Carolina football commit Darius Rush was set to play inside receiver, a key role in his C.E. Murray team’s offense. But situations changed, and he ended up playing a lot on the outside.

When asked about the shift, the Shrine Bowler’s explanation was succinct.

“I went where my team needed me,” Rush said,

He’ll be a Gamecocks before too long, set to sign with USC on Dec. 20 and enroll for the spring. And he could again be asked to go where his team needs, possibly to a position different from the one he was primarily recruited to.

Rush confirmed he might end up at defensive back next spring. The 6-foot-2, 173-pound three-star prospect was considered by many to be an offensive option, and had built a strong relationship with South Carolina receivers coach Bryan McClendon. But USC coach Will Muschamp told Rush things could be more fluid.

“My role is an athlete,” Rush said. “So in the spring, wherever they need me, I’ll be. ... Like in the spring, they’ll put me where I’m needed with my athletic ability.”

The defensive backfield isn’t an unfamiliar place for Rush. Being a SEC-level athlete on the small-school level, he seldom left the field, going both ways and filling roles on special teams. On defense, he rotated between safety and cornerback, and had 44 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, an interception and five pass break-ups or a defense that held six opponents below 10 points.

He was no slouch on offense, where he ran for 165 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries and caught 47 balls for 863 yards and 17 scores.

If the current depth chart is any indication, defense could be a likely spot. The Gamecocks’ return every wide receiver, including the three starting underclassmen who were four-star prospects, plus dangerous play-maker Deebo Samuel from injury.

Defensive back will be far more open, with three starters set to graduate. There are potential replacements available, but the staff is always looking for more competition after two years with thin groups (talented Dutch Fork athlete Bryce Thompson will likely also fall on the defensive side of his two-way potential).

Rush admitted he sees receiver as his primary spot, but there’s something to like and something that carries over.

“At cornerback, you’re also a ballhawk,” Rush said. “Just on the other side on defense.”

This story was originally published December 14, 2017 at 11:11 AM with the headline "Recruited for offense, defense could be the future for one South Carolina commit."