Rus makes most of role on KU’s special teams

By Gary Bedore     Sep 6, 2003

It’s hard to say who was more excited after Darren Rus’ 20-yard touchdown return of a blocked punt last Saturday against Northwestern — Rus or special teams coach Clint Bowen.

“I was really fired up for him to get a chance to scoop one up and score,” Bowen said of Rus, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound sophomore walk-on from Overland Park.

“He played 150 snaps last year and no one noticed hardly any of ’em. For him to have a ball pop his way and run it in, that’s a little bit of justice for all the work he’s done.”

Rus’ touchdown — his first since his days at Aquinas High — cut Northwestern’s one-touchdown lead to 21-20.

However, KU botched the extra point and went on to lose, 28-20.

“I was bummed out,” Rus said of the loss. “Even though I had my first touchdown … I would have rather not scored a touchdown and won the game.”

Rus actually has concocted two highlight-film plays in his first two seasons at Kansas — two more than many walk-ons notch in their entire careers. He grabbed a pass off a fake punt last season and chugged 24 yards against Colorado, but did not score on the play.

“He’s been really valuable on special teams,” Bowen said. “All last year, Darren was on all four units the entire game the entire season — punt, kickoff, kickoff return, punt return — and he graded as high as anybody on special teams.

“He is a guard on kick return, tackle on punt team, an interior guy, not flashy roles, not high-profile positions. But the guy is ready, gets the job done. It’s a position you don’t have to worry about.”

Rus’ value just might earn him a scholarship next season. Rus admits netting a free ride is a goal.

“It’d help out financially a lot,” he said. “In the summer it gets busy going to summer school and working. I’ve got my savings from high school and in-state tuition isn’t too bad, but that would help.”

Bowen is pulling for Rus, son of Steve Rus, a defensive back who earned two letters while playing for the Jayhawks in the early ’70s.

“It should be a goal players work toward,” Bowen said. “All those guys in his situation who come here and work hard enough to get to play, they should strive to get that.”

Rus, who has gained 30 pounds in the weight room since his senior year in high school, is hoping to earn some playing time at linebacker where he is currently listed on the third team.

“I’m happy with my progress so far,” said Rus, who last year had 11 tackles and one forced fumble to go with his surprise pass reception.

“I enjoy special teams a lot. I take a lot of pride in making plays. I hope some day to help more in the linebacking corps.”

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