Q&A: Coach Brian Smith on Darius Rush
Before being named the head coach at Blythewood High School earlier this month, Brian Smith had the pleasure of coaching Greeleyville (S.C.) C.E. Murray athlete Darius Rush for four years.
Smith spoke with GamecockCentral.com about what the Gamecocks are getting in Rush, who committed to South Carolina on Monday afternoon.
GAMECOCK CENTRAL: What did did Darius bring to your program on and off the field?
BRIAN SMITH: He was basically like another coach on the field. He's so intelligent, especially football-wise, he always studies the game. He's a phenomenal athlete, who has his best years ahead of him. He's just a fantastic human being. He's the type of guy you would hope your son would turn out to be. I can't say enough good things about the kid because he deserves them all. He's been a real pleasure to coach. I'm going to miss coaching him, but I'll definitely be rooting for him in Williams-Brice a year from now.
GCC: He's played so many sports and so many positions, what will it mean to focus on one or two?
SMITH: Once that kid specializes, the sky is the limit. He's always done five sports. We don't have the best of facilities at C.E. Murray to train athletes. And once he gets into a college training facility, the sky is the limit. He'll be a very special player, I would definitely say.
GCC: He's a two-time state champ in track. What is his upside there?
SMITH: I told Coach Muschamp and them this, he's a guy who could make the Olympics one day in track. I truly believe that. I've been his track coach for four years and I know a little bit about it from playing in high school. That's not my expertise, knowing how to train track athletes, but I know South Carolina has a fantastic track program with coach (Curtis) Frye. If he chooses that route one day, then you could be looking at an Olympic jumper for sure.
GCC: How do you see him fitting into South Carolina's offense?
SMITH: He's a guy that can play slot or outside as far as wide receiver goes. I think a lot of that will be dictated by his growth and his body. He has size 17 feet, so he could end up growing two or three inches this summer and be 6-5 before next December and in that case you're looking at an outside wideout to go along with OrTre Smith and (Bryan) Edwards and those guys and fit right in that role. Either way, he's got great ball skills, runs polished routes for the most part, and will be an addition anywhere on that field.
GCC: What was it about South Carolina that led him that way?
SMITH: I think academically, with what Darius wants to major in, USC totally fit that. Location played a big part too. He does have family in the Columbia area that will be able to check in on him when they need to. But I think the University overall was a huge fit, because of their academics and the fact the graduation rate has always been high at USC for athletes. They're a big academics family. I think that kind of checked off any doubts he had at all about the university was that the academic situation at USC is one of the best in the country.
