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Ever since the Bengals drafted Darqueze Dennard with their first pick in 2014, there seems to be a significant interest in former Spartans .
After drafting Dennard, the Bengals went on to sign Michigan State safety Isaiah Lewis and guard Dan France as undrafted free agents. Could a small pipeline from East Lansing to Cincinnati be forming like the one that goes from Athens (Georgia Bulldogs) to the Queen City?
According to Tony Pauline, the Bengals have a visit set up with Spartans defensive end/linebacker Marcus Rush, who they already worked out at his Pro Day in March. The 6-foot-2, 251-pound Rush is considered undersized for a defensive end in the NFL, but may also play some rush backer in a 3-4 defense.
Rush doesn't fit the mold of traditional Bengals draft picks at defensive end, but considering they sent linebackers coach Matt Burke to his Pro Day, they may have plans for him as a SAM backer.
Playing as a defensive end for Michigan State, Rush notched 18.5 sacks and 37.5 tackles for loss over his four years in college. 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss came during his final two seasons.
Our own Cody Tewmey interviewed Rush at the NFLPA Bowl this year: