MOBILE, Ala. — Another Senior Bowl practice, another heck of an afternoon for South Carolina cornerback Darius Rush. It’s been a common theme this week during practice. While the WR convert received little buzz heading into Senior Bowl week, three days of work saw him showcase well against some of the class’ elite at the wideout position.

A late addition to the event, Rush has checked every possible box on the outside, including the old eye test. At 6-foot-1 with nearly 33-inch arms, he had a pick on Wednesday—could have had two—nearly another on Thursday, and has remained constantly in phase with pass-catchers in one-on-one opportunities.

During portions of practice tailored toward wide receivers, Rush’s knack for mirroring and “running the route” for some of the wideouts in attendance has popped every day during practice. In a day in age where corners are asked to work in multiple coverages, he’s looked smooth and comfortable during all phases and has been a common voice that has echoed during special teams work.

The instincts he’s showcased the last few days have spoken volumes. It’s stuff you simply can’t teach. Technique, working with different leverage, eyes… those are things you’re able to control and ingrain into guys, but having a “feel” for the game that allows an athlete to consistently make plays on the football is unteachable. He’s been a nice riser to see thrive here in Mobile with such a deep secondary class already all set to fly off the board in April.

From a technical standpoint, he’s not perfect—and his tape this fall oftentimes saw him get caught peeking in the backfield in an attempt to read eyes—but he’s a ball of clay dripping with tools that any DB coach would, and should, pound the table to get their hands on. Tools and traits are often the common buzzwords this time of year, and while they matter, and Rush has them, there’s something to be said about just being a “good football player.” Darius Rush has impressed during the biggest job interview of his life.