2023 NFL Draft: Gamecocks CB Darius Rush selected in 5th round

Former South Carolina Gamecocks cornerback Darius Rush was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Rush joined the program in 2018 as a wide receiver. After redshirting his freshman season, he moved to cornerback.

Last season, he recorded 38 total tackles, two tackles for loss, nine passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Rush has top-level speed. He ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.

It was surprising that he was still on the board. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 70th overall player on their big board, and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked him as the 82nd overall player on his big board.

Rush is the second cornerback that the Colts have selected; they also took Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents in the second round.

Both players fill a big need for the Colts. Last season, their defense allowed the third-highest opponent passer rating in the NFL (96.2).