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Rushing still in search of college home
In this Oct. 12, 2012, photo, Glenbrook North's Grant Rushing stiff-arms Highland Park's Grant Paley in Northbrook. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 8, 2013 12:56AM
Grant Rushing was one of the best football players on the North Shore in his three varsity seasons at Glenbrook North.
Slowed by a shoulder injury as a junior, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back bounced back in a big way in his final season. Rushing led the Spartans to a CSL North championship by running for 1,574 yards and 23 TDs on his way to being named the conference’s offensive player of the year.
Yet, Rushing, also the league’s offensive player of the year as a sophomore, will not be announcing his college home Wednesday. In fact, he has no scholarship offers.
“It’s been a really tough process,” said Rushing, who ran for more than 200 yards three times, including a 411-yard effort against Niles North. “I didn’t think it would be this difficult. I am hoping to come away with a scholarship at some point. Unfortunately, I haven’t landed one.
“That’s life, I guess. Sometimes, things don’t go your way.”
It’s not that big-time colleges aren’t aware of Rushing, who also was Glenbrook North’s starting safety. Wisconsin had extended a preferred walk-on status to him before coach Bret Bielema and most his staff left for Arkansas before the Rose Bowl. Rushing has since lost contact with the Badgers.
Iowa and Michigan State are two other Big Ten programs to express interest in Rushing as a preferred walk-on.
“Yeah, it’s frustrating,” said Rushing, who will be playing baseball this spring for the first time since his freshman year. “It gets all of my emotions going. It can heartbreaking, but you have to move on.”
Glenbrook North senior Paul Boidanis has known Rushing since elementary school. Boidanis, who was scheduled to sign with the Winona (Minn.) State football team on Wednesday, said he doesn’t understand why his friend and teammate is having so much trouble finding a college fit.
“There’s no doubt in my mind Grant should be playing college football,” said Boidanis, a defensive end, tight end, fullback and long snapper. “I am not sure where he will go, but Grant is one of the best football players to ever walk through the doors at Glenbrook North.”
At this stage, Rushing is willing to listen to any coach and willing to play almost anywhere on the field. He simply wants to keep playing football, and he remains positive on his future.
“I am looking to find my niche,” he said. “I am comfortable I will find my path.”
