PRINCETON– The Princeton Tigers have an excellent linebacking core in Top 10 ranked in the class of 2022 in Haydin Stay and 2021 NFN prospect Thomas Rush who I also was impressed with section playoffs last year. Northstar Football News got…
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SubscribePRINCETON– The Princeton Tigers have an excellent linebacking core in Top 10 ranked in the class of 2022 in Haydin Stay and 2021 NFN prospect Thomas Rush who I also was impressed with section playoffs last year. Northstar Football News got to chat with rush about his recruiting journey, and how that strong linebacking core of the Tigers will be an even stronger pack in the 2020 season.
Get to Know Thomas Rush
Rush is a versatile player that’s core position is linebacker but he also plays offense as the strong man at tight end and fullback. His love for football goes back to 2nd grade when he first fell in love with the game. As for what he brings at the table of the Princeton Tigers, Rush is a competitor, a leader on the field, and is a multi-sport athlete. His athleticism, hard work, and dedication make him a threat at all three positions he plays.
Rush’s Favorites
When asked about his favorite things about the multiple positions he plays, Rush said making key plays on both sides of the ball. Of course, this linebacker added “I enjoy hitting people,” to his favorites as should all linebackers that play the position a lot. Offensively, when the Tigers execute on key plays that get Rush fired up when he’s setting blocks up for running back Jake Whitcomb and others next year.
Recruiting Interest/Elevator Pitch
Rush has heard from a ton of Division 3 and NAIA programs throughout the Midwest. UW-River Falls, Bethel and Valley City State (ND) have all chipped in Rush for junior day visits and Mayville State (ND) Dordt (IA) and UW-La Crosse have all showed interest as well. As for his elevator pitch, Rush had this to say to the coaches that are recruiting him and to the ones he may not know of him yet:
My pitch to college coaches is that I am very coachable, a team player, a team leader, and a hard worker that shows great dedication to every play.
Build Ups for Next Season
Rush was told to focus on getting bigger and stronger this offseason. He started his offseason early, by joining the Tigers wrestling team. He not only added a sport but was in the weight room a lot more and kept up with his conditioning. I suggest any football player that wants to improve on their tackling to trying wrestling as I think it’s an underrated winter sport that sometimes gets overlooked by football pla.yers. Rush also plays baseball for the Princeton Tigers, which keeps this three-sport athlete pretty busy and well-conditioned year-round.
Thomas’s Mentors
As for mentors of his football career, Rush thanks his father, his Tigers position coaches and his defensive coordinator for feeding his football mind with great help and allowing him to improve thanks to their tutelage.
Learning from Last Season/Senior Year Goals
Being a positive leader, team player and battling through the ups and downs were key learning points in Rush’s junior season. He looks to build from his mental toughness last season and bring it into the 2020 season. Rush’s goal is to be named team captain and to get the Princeton Tigers to Minneapolis for state playoffs. He’s also wanting to improve as a senior leader on both sides fo the ball and just to enjoy his teammates’ company all summer and all season long!
You’ll find out in the first 15 seconds of his junior season Hudl tape that Rush can lay the hammer! Check it out here