2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Thomas Rush, EDGE, University of Minnesota

• Name: Thomas Rush
• Position: EDGE
• College: University of Minnesota
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 250 lbs
• Twitter: @twrush
• Instagram: @twrush

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up my family were huge football fans. Being from Columbus, everyone around me were Buckeye fans to the core, so Saturday’s were almost a ritual. It became more than just one team as I got older, with my interests in College football increasing. I knew from playing the game from a young age up to high school that it was what I was meant to do.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Going forward I want to display my athletic capabilities to their fullest and use them to help a team win a Super Bowl, in whatever role I need to be in.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I’d say TJ Watt. He’s someone I’ve watched and worked on emulating throughout my late college career and love his style of football. Would love to get to know him and his process.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Two of my favorite memories were the storming of the fields in 2019 win against Penn State and 2021 against Wisconsin. I’ll be able to keep those with me for the rest of my life.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I would say my family as a whole is a factor that motivates me to do what I do. The passing of my father is something that has strengthened my inspiration to continuing my journey, not only for him, but for the rest of my family as well.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Can’t say I have a favorite. Each defense has its strengths and can play well when everyone executes the details of that scheme at a high level and does their job. I have found that I enjoy playing in just about any spot where I can play fast and loose.

What should we know about Thomas Rush the person?

Hard work, consistency, and a commitment to doing what’s right, is the best way I can describe myself.

What stands out about your film the most?

Overall my film shows my discipline to do my job, coupled with great vision, and the ability to play against all types of athletes. There are a number of plays displaying my athletic ability to play against O-Linemen, TE’s, and even RB’s.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I take a similar approach to both. Being calm and collected is something I always focus on in stressful situations, and that helps with decision-making. Being able to make decisions that aren’t based on emotion ultimately help myself make the best choice. And that always starts with being persistent and never giving up. If I have to find a new way to approach something, that is where being mentally focused and emotionally controlled help me to keep going.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone that’s reliable and trustworthy. Something that I value in today’s world is being able to trust someone with what they say and what they are going to do. For a team, they know they’re getting someone they can trust and can be reliable.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love the discipline of it, and the team aspect of it. It is an extremely hard game, but rewarding also. You get out what you put in. Even with the superstars that are on teams, winning is dependent upon every man doing their job every play. Further I love how applicable it is to life and the lessons it teaches you.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

It’s hard to say because I’ve played with many guys who maybe didn’t get the attention they deserved, but I’d say a guy like Mariano Sori-Marin, who is more than capable of playing at the next level, and isn’t projected as highly as he should be. There are intangible traits in guys you can’t measure and don’t know about until you are there watching them in practice or live in a game.