Rush’s defensive effort was at the center of the Blue Devils’ 14-13 title-clinching road victory that landed the NEC champions a postseason berth in the Gridiron Classic (Dec. 5). The junior defensive back accounted for a game-high 13 tackles, a second-half sack, and a key interception. Six of Rush’s tackles limited the offense to three yards or fewer. The preseason all-NEC selection picked a perfect time for his second interception of the year. One play after he dropped the Red Flash ball carrier for a two-yard loss at CCSU’s 20, Rush stifled Saint Francis’ 14-play drive and preserved a 7-7 tie by picking off quarterback John Kelly in the end zone during the waning minutes of the third quarter. Rush sacked Kelly for an eight-yard loss on the opening possession of the second half. His award comes one week after teammate Lawton Arnold was honored as the NEC Defensive Player of the Week.