Rush ready to make transition to linebacker

After four years as a starter on the defensive line for Michigan State, it is back to the future for Marcus Rush as he pursues his NFL dream.

The 6-foot-3, 251-pounder told MLive.com he is excited to show the San Francisco 49ers what he can do as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme, something that is not totally foreign to him because he was a linebacker for the first half of his career at prep powerhouse Cincinnati Moeller High School. He also dropped into coverage at times as an end in the MSU 4-3.

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio told reporters on a teleconference on Monday he fully expects Rush to excel at the 49ers rookie minicamp.

"I think he's got some very unique abilities in terms of pass rushing abilities," Dantonio said. "He's a playmaker, can really run."

(H/T MLive.com)