With the 170th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected OL Eric Kush from California University of Pennsylvania Athletics.
Kush started all 11 games in 2012, mainly at center, helping anchor an offensive line that allowed only 13 sacks on 430 pass attempts – the second-most in school history. Kush's play earned all-region honors and he later went on to showcase his talents in the East-West Shrine Game in January.
"I'm very, very excited to be drafted," Kush said after he was picked. "It's an absolute honor. I'm going to play my butt off for Kansas City."
Chiefs general manager John Dorsey was very impressed by Kush's quickness.
"I'm very intrigued by this player," Dorsey said. "What separates him is, he's a really good athlete; his first two or three steps are exceptionally quick. To play the center position, I think quickness is very, very important."
Kush did have previous communication with the Chiefs, during a private workout.
"I went down there (KC) for a visit and we talked a lot about football, a lot about the offense we ran at CAL U," Kush said.
"I just got married last Saturday, so we talked about my new wife (Stephanie) and everything like that. We just talked about how I grew up, things I like to do outside of football and what the Chiefs are expecting out of me."
The 6'4" 308-pound offensive lineman appeared in two games in 2008 for the Cal Vulcans, before playing in 15 games in 2009, serving on the offensive line and special teams.
One season later, in 2010, Kush started nine games at left tackle, before moving to center in 2011, when he made 12 starts.
Kush earned the Cal U DeMichela Award, recognizing leadership, hustle and spirit in 2011.
The Bridgeville, Pennsylvania native, Kush played at Chartiers Valley High School, earning second-team all-state, first-team all-conference and East-West All-Star honors.
