Minnesota Scene: Two-star Ohio linebacker Thomas Rush commits to Gophers

The Gophers landed a verbal commitment Wednesday from Thomas Rush, a linebacker from Marysville, Ohio, who previously had committed to Bowling Green.

The 6-3, 209-pound Rush is ranked a two-star recruit by Rivals.com. But he had been listed as a running back and is now projected as a college linebacker.

In April, at the Nike Opening showcase in Cleveland, Rush ran the 40-yard dash in 4.71 seconds and was rated as the No. 5 overall player at that event.

P.J. Fleck and the Gophers coaching staff watched Rush perform at a satellite camp Tuesday night in Canton, Ohio, before making their scholarship offer. Rush announced his commitment on Twitter.

JOE CHRISTENSEN

Justin Burleson of Valleywood Golf Club defeated Jacques Wilson of Chaska Town Course 3 and 2 in the final of the MGA Players' Championship at The Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minn. Earlier, Burleson edged defending champion Trent Peterson of Valleywood 1 up in the semifinals.

This is the second title in a state event and 13th top-10 finish for Burleson since he moved to Minnesota from Beaumont, Texas, in 2013.

• In the MGA Women's Senior Amateur Match Play Championship at the same course, Leigh Klasse defeated Lynn Anderson 4 and 3.

• Minnesota State Mankato senior infielder Eric Peterson signed a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Eagan native hit .350 for his four-year career and set a school record for career runs scored (225). He ranks in the top five all-time in Mavericks' history in six additional statistical categories, including second in hits (257).

• The Gophers' Kendyl Lindaman, of Ankeny, Iowa, was named the Division I NFCA Sports Diamond Catcher of the Year. As a freshman, she led Big Ten hitters with 20 home runs and a .426 batting average and tied for first with 76 RBI.