Euclid’s Bush picks up offers from Michigan State, Rutgers

Arquon Bush walked out of the tunnel at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on May 11 and closed his eyes.

The junior defensive back from Euclid imagined what it would be like hearing the roar of the crowd in a Michigan State football game, and he got chills.

When Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio then offered him a football scholarship, the chills turned to goose-bumps.

Bush didn’t accept the Michigan State offer on May 11 — it’s early in the recruiting process to do that, Bush said — but it is safe to say the Spartans are atop the list of the multi-talented Euclid Panther.

“It was a great visit,” said Bush, making the trip back to Northeast Ohio with his mother Dianna Barker. “I visited the whole campus. No doubt, they’re on top of my list right now.”

A day earlier, Bush got a Big Ten offer from Rutgers.

He also has offers from Central Michigan, Ball State, Albany and Notre Dame College.

But the ascending star of Arquon Bush might not be anywhere near its peak.

“Yes, I think it’s just starting to take off,” said Bush of the recruiting wars.

A 6-foot, 170-pound athlete, Bush is coming off a junior season in which he had 52 tackles at cornerback, with five interceptions and 13 passes defended.

He saw spot duty on offense, with 15 catches for 216 yards. But his biggest offensive threat was in the return game, where he averaged 22 yards per punt return and scored five times.

He said Michigan State, and other schools as well, is recruiting him as a cornerback and punt returner.

“I’ve been dreaming of being a college football player since I was about 7 years old,” Bush said. “I watched a lot of team I watched Michigan State games a lot.

“So yes, they are my No. 1 right now.”

Euclid coach Jeff Rotsky said Bush’s true skill set will be on display this fall when he plays a more expanded role on offense.

Rotsky said Bush could end up being recruited to play on either offense or defense.

“I’m excited to see what he brings to our team in all three phases of the game,” Rotsky said.

Bush said he hopes to add some physical strength and muscle mass to his lean 170-pound frame this offseason. Rotsky said that will be a benefit.

Running a 4.45 in the 40yard dash is a draw for colleges, as well.

“He’s long, he’s fast and he is a tremendous athlete,” Rotsky said. “He had a play this year when he went up in the corner of the end zone and one-handed a pick with his off-hand. That’s the type of thing you expect to see on Sundays (in the NFL).

“He’s the kind of player you line up on the opposing team’s best receiver and just say, ‘let’s play.’”