Houston DE headed to Air Force
Houston Memorial defensive end James Rushing had a feeling he knew where he wanted to continue his football career. However, it wasn't until his official visit this past weekend that he became absolutely certain.
"I committed to Air Force on Saturday night during my official," the 6-foot-3, 238-pound Rushing said. "I went up there looking and I knew they had some really good opportunities. I just wanted to meet everyone and, if it went well, I was going to commit."
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Rushing was able to make his commitment in person to Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun.
"He was really excited," Rushing said. "He told me he knew I had interest from other schools and said, 'Okay you need to tell them that you're committed now,' and I said, 'Yes sir.'
"My recruiter, coach (Jemal) Singleton, was really excited. He was fist pumping and jumping up and down. Coach (Ron) Burton gave me a high five and shook my hand and said that I was a belated Christmas present."
Rushing says there were quite a few factors that went into his decision to commit.
"I really like that most of the staff is from the Air Force and they all came back," he said. "That really shows you have much it means to them and you don't see that with a lot of schools. I like that I'll get the chance to serve and also, you can get your Master's degree if you go to night school.
"They are a program that is on the rise. Coach Calhoun left the NFL with the Texans to coach there and he turned down other jobs. It's a special place for sure."
Rushing has played a number of positions at Memorial over the years including end and linebacker. He is not sure exactly where he will end up in Colorado Springs, though.
"They said they didn't have me slotted for an exact position just yet," he said. "I'm going to start out at end in their 3-4. I could end up playing outside or moving inside too. Their noseguards are only like 270 (pounds) and I can hold that if I need to."
Rushing chose Air Force over offers from the likes of UTEP and Wyoming as well several Ivy League programs.