A visit with FCS All-American, Murray State transfer TE Cole Rusk who takes official visit to Ole Miss Friday
OXFORD, Miss. — Cole Rusk wasn’t a household name coming out of high school, but that didn’t matter to him — he was determined to continue to develop and play the sport of football that he loves so dearly. And that hard work has paid off for the Murray State FCS All-American, as Ole Miss has offered the tight end who began his career at Eastern Michigan. He’ll take an official visit to Oxford Friday.
The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Rock Island, Illinois native is now one of the most coveted tight ends in the portal right now. He began his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan but only saw action in one game.
In 2023, he would write a very different chapter in the Bluegrass state as he transferred to Murray State and made some lasting moments at Roy Stewart Stadium with the Racers.
Trusting in the Lord!❤️ pic.twitter.com/nOVpqH0ME4
— Cole Rusk (@ColeRusk1) December 26, 2023
While he only spent one season there, Rusk tallied 39 receptions for 512 yards and six touchdowns, earning a 3rd-Team FCS All American spot. He was also named to Missouri Valley Football Conference All Newcomer Team.
𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙀𝙣𝙙
𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝘼𝙡𝙡-𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣👉 @ColeRusk1 #GoRacers🏇 pic.twitter.com/OIt5t8takP
— Murray State Football (@racersfootball) December 16, 2023
In just a short amount of time, his evolution has been nothing short of a sight to watch.
“Rusk, WIDE OPEN!” @King__dj___ & @ColeRusk1 is automatic! 🤖 pic.twitter.com/B9GBv6asOI
— Murray State Football (@racersfootball) November 4, 2023
His rising success quickly earned him offers from Illinois, Texas A&M, Houston, Cal, Washington State, Colorado St. Tulane, James Madison and Ole Miss.
Rusk could quickly be another key piece for the Rebels and make the Ole Miss portal haul even stronger. We had a chance to catch up with Cole to talk about his recruitment and more.
“It meant a lot that the staff believes in my abilities to help their offense and wants me to join the culture. It’s been a little different since they don’t have a TEs coach yet but the relationship I’ve had with Coach (Jake) Schoonover is great.”
Rusk on the offer from Ole Miss
Rusk talked about his top two schools, Illinois and Ole Miss.
“I’ve appreciated every school reaching out, and as of right now I’ve only planned to visit Illinois and Ole Miss which speaks to who I’m interested in most. I’m heading to Champaign….visiting officially Wednesday and Thursday. Then, to Oxford Friday to Sunday. The winning culture and use of TEs is what I like about both.”
Rusk on his top choices
We talked to Rusk about the national attention he’s getting now in the portal, as compared to when he was in high school.
“Being a COVID kid out of high school and not getting a true recruiting experience it’s been pretty wild now. I’ve been waiting to play on this stage my entire life so I feel I’m ready.”
Cole Rusk
Cole Rusk is a testimony to the fact that no matter where your journey starts, if you have talent and work hard, you can get to where you were meant to be all along.
We will keep you updated on Rusk’s recruitment and have more on his visit to the ‘Sip.
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
