NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Cooper Rush, QB, Central Michigan University

NFL Draft Diamonds website has been providing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed things up a bit. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the draft eligible player. We hope to bring you more than 500 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner to the right.  Now let’s meet our next prospect!!!!

What is your name? 

Cooper Rush

What is your Height/Weight? 

6’3 228

What is your position? 

QB

Where do you play college football? 

Central Michigan University

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field? 

Central Michigan hosts the Michigan Special Olympics every year. Many of my teammates and I help volunteer at the games. It is amazing to see the difference we make to the athletes and the impact we can have on people’s lives.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

Mathematical Theory of Interest. It was a very fast paced class and a lot of material. I was not quite ready for that level of math at that point in my degree. However, I was able to survive it and get a good grade.

Where are you from? 

Charlotte, MI

Who is your role model, and why? 

My dad, Matt Rush. I look up to his intelligence and the way he carries himself. He has been a great example to follow. I think of things he has taught me with almost every decision I make.

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

I played basketball and baseball formally. My brothers and I were constantly doing some type of sport growing up in the backyard.

Did you play any other positions in football? 

No

At your position, what separates you from others? 

I played in a pro style system and have a good understanding of pro concepts. I have played under center and am very comfortable hanging in the pocket. I pride myself on being prepared and being the smartest QB in the country. It has helped me play fast and make quick decisions on the field.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I look for what the defenses base front and coverages are. Try to find the tendencies whether its personnel or formation that dictates the most likely coverage. Then I look for the same things just on third down. Finally, I will look for specific weakness or matchups we would like.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced? 

Shalique Calhoun of Michigan State. He was extremely active and really impacted the game on every snap.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why? 

I would say Andy Dalton. We are similar in size and have a lot of the same tools. I try to study from all the great ones around the league. You can pick up a lot of useful things if you watch them closely. I try to soak in as much as possible both the physical aspects and the intangibles.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it? 

A very close family friend died of ovarian cancer at age 11. It was hard to see the toll it took on her family and how it affected the families around. However, seeing how strong and courageous the family was throughout the process gave inspiration not only to me but many others.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? 

I like to listen to easygoing country music to relax.

What is your biggest strength? 

Toughness and the ability to be poised in the pocket and make the throws under pressure.

What is your biggest weakness? 

Not maximizing my arm strength. I can make all the throws but I feel like I leave some zip off the ball when I don’t have proper mechanics in my lower body. I have been working hard on that this off season.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say? 

I am an accountable, reliable, determined player. I was a two-year captain and have great leadership quality. I have a huge passion for the game. I love to do the extra things that make QBs successful. I am a guy that works extremely hard and can make plays on the field to help the team.  

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up? 

I didn’t really have a favorite team. I grew up idolizing all the great quarterbacks in the league. I would say especially Peyton Manning if I had to pick one.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose? 

Lebron James, Leonardo Da Vinci, Neil Armstrong.

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

Probably some new golf clubs. I love to play golf and a new set would be awesome.