2010 (Redshirt
Freshman):
Rust played in 11 games for the Aggies in 2010, starting one game at
quarterback and was NM State’s starting punter for the first three games of the
season. On the year, Rust threw for 33 yards on 8-of-18 passing with an
interception. He did most of his damage on the ground, rushing for 103 yards on
37 carries. As the team’s punter, Rust averaged 37.3 yards per punt, downing
six of his 22 punts inside the 20. He also had the Aggies’ kickoff duties in
the first three games of the season, taking 11 kicks for 699 yards, averaging
63.5 yards per kick. Against No. 3 Boise State (Oct. 1), Rust carried the ball
10 times for 25 yards. Versus in-state rival New Mexico (Oct. 9), he got his
first start, rushing for 31 yards on 14 carries both season-highs, helping the
Aggies to a 16-14 win. Over the next five games, Rust rushed for 49 yards on 13
carries.
2009
(Freshman): Rust redshirted his freshman year at NM State.
High School: Rust was a standout
quarterback for El Capitan High School. In 2008, Rust threw for 2,700 yards and
28 touchdown passes, while rushing for 385 yards and four touchdowns. Rust was
named the Grossmont North Player of the Year, the All-Area East Player of the
Year, a second team all-section member, a first team San Diego Hall of
Champions selection, a National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Scholar
Athlete and to the first team all-area academic. As a junior, Rust passed for
3,200 yards and 32 touchdowns, while rushing for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
He earned second team all-state honors, as well as the Grossmont North Player
of the Year, the all-area East Player of the Year and was a first team
all-section. Rust was also an all-academic selection as a junior. During his
sophomore season, Rust was the team’s back-up quarterback and the team’s
punter. As El Capitan’s punter, he ranked third in the county in punting
average and earned All-CIF punter honors. At quarterback, he threw for 300
yards and four touchdowns at the back-up position.
Personal: Rust is the son of Tory
and Tracey Rust. He plans to major in business management.
