The top 100 FSU football players: No. 100— linebacker Daryl Bush

Our top 100 FSU football players series begins with an exemplary ’Nole, both on the field and in the classroom: middle linebacker Daryl Bush. Bush wore the garnet and gold during the heart of Florida State’s dynasty years, spending a five-year career with FSU from 1993-1997.

Rather fittingly, Bush made his way to Tallahassee from Altamonte Springs in Seminole County, Florida, redshirting during Florida State’s first title season of 1993 while learning from Derrick Brooks. But he didn’t remain on the sideline for long, patrolling the middle of Mickey Andrews’ defense as a four-year starter thereafter.

In 1995, Bush was a Football News Honorable Mention All-American and a second-team All-ACC choice. He repeated as a second-team All-ACC honoree in 1996 and 1997. The AP named Bush a third-team All-American in 1997 as well. He was a three-time Butkus Award semifinalist.

With No. 44 among the linebacking corps, FSU compiled a 42-5-1 record and captured four conference crowns. The ’Noles also won the 1995 Sugar Bowl, the 1996 Orange Bowl, and the 1998 Sugar Bowl. Bush’s career stats at Florida State are highlighted by 361 total tackles, still eighth in program history. Described as “a natural born leader” by Bobby Bowden, Bush contributed 26 tackles for loss, a dozen sacks, six forced fumbles, and a pair of interceptions.

Bush hit the books just as hard as he hit opponents. He’s one of just four Seminoles who twice achieved first-team Academic All-American status, in ’96 and ’97. Bush was an ACC All-Academic Team choice from ’94-’97 and graduated with a 3.9 GPA in finance.

So what do you think? Is Bush ranked too low? Or does one of our honorable mentions deserve his spot instead?