When Devin Bush finished his sophomore season with more than 100 tackles and a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award, people around the program knew he was a special talent.
With his sideline-to-sideline speed, ferocious hitting and quick instincts and decision-making, it was obvious Bush would be a well-recognized player heading into 2018. And now all of that is coming true.
Bush was named a first-team All-American by Sporting News Monday. Here is the publication’s explanation:
“Bush burst on to the side as a speedy, hard-hitting linebacker for the Wolverines last season, and that trend should continue with a year of experience under his belt. He should improve on last year’s totals of 95 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in defensive coordinator Don Brown’s aggressive defense.”
MGoBlue.com’s stats differ from Sporting News’, but that’s not the main point here. The main point is Bush is going to be one of the centerpieces to Don Brown’s defense. I wouldn’t say the defense “wouldn’t be the same” without Bush, but the Wolverines are much better with him on the field than not.
Rashan Gary and Khaleke Hudson were both named to the second-team. If you’re wondering who beat out Gary for a first-team spot, it’s half of Clemson’s defensive line — Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins — as well as Ohio State’s Nick Bosa and Houston’s Ed Oliver.
Other Big Ten players receiving first-team nods include Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley, Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor, Iowa tight end Noah Fant and Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards.