Rusty Rucker

Rusty Rucker

Rucker planning his next manhandling
No. 53 – Norfolk Seawolves
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(2016-09-16)September 16, 2016 (aged 46) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	235 lb (107 kg)
Username:	Lancedjack
Career information
High school:	Earl Haig
College:	Syracuse
DSFL Draft:	2039 / Round: 3 / Pick: 17
Career history
Roster status:	Active

Rusty "The Octopus" Rucker (born September 16, 2016) is an American football linebacker. He played college football for Syracuse (SU) and was selected 8th overall by the Norfolk Seawolves in the DSFL S24 Draft.

Early years

From the great white North of Toronto, Canada came the specimen that is Rusty Rucker. Rusty played TimBits hockey as a child and holds the current record for goals conceded in a game, a staggering 7 goals, in a league where the children can't even skate. It was apparent that hockey wasn't going to be his game. Born to mother Shanice, a high school teacher in Toronto and father Fuddle, an electrician they quickly moved him off the skates and into cleats. He started peewee football in the Summer and quickly gained a knack for it. His first season of TimBits football he played defensive line and running back, a combination that would prove to be short lived. In his TimBits league he was renowned and would often be asked to provide a birth certificate prior to playing, owing to his height and prowess.

After entering high school he dedicated himself full time to the craft of the traditional rules of football, not entertained by the notion of 30 yard end zones and receivers hitting the line running. His parents would ferry him from mini camp to mini camp, learning the finer points and technical angles required for even aspiring to a college scholarship, nevermind receiving an offer. It was in his Freshman year that Rusty transitioned full time to linebacker, playing all of his Earl Haig High School football in the position. In his final season as a senior he held the school record for tackles completed, 168, without missing a single one. This was complimented with six sacks across the season and four fumble recoveries, two for touchdowns.

Lettered for three years in high school and his jersey is now retired at Earl Haig, an honor bestowed upon few. Predominantly because it produces so few prospects, but an honor nevertheless.

College career

After graduating from high school, Rucker attended and played college football for Syracuse whilst majoring in Economics & Business.

As a freshman Rucker played in all 12 games with 11 starts and lead all Syracuse true freshmen with 39 tackles. Rucker made four tackles in his initial college debut, coming in against Conneticut. Posted his best freshman performance against Virginia Tech with twelve tackles and a blocked field goal. Logged his first career sack for Syracuse versus NC State for a loss of 8 yards.

As a sophomore Rucker started eight games due to injury however still tied amongst linebackers at SU with 32 tackles, including 4 for a loss and recording a further half a sack. Suffered his injury vs Miami after being on the receiving end of a heinous chop block resulting in a lower leg injury, later diagnosed as a high ankle sprain. His season high came against LSU with 10 tackles and 2 sacks, monstering their line and showing great resilience in the face of an overwhelming loss.

Rucker started all games his Junior year and posted 56 tackles (33 solo) including 11 for a loss. He also collected 2.5 sacks along with 2 Interceptions, returning one for his first, and only, college pick six. He was selected as the defensive game captain and for the first time against Clemson, posting seven tackles, three for a loss and one sack before being selected as team captain the following week against Louisville. Was named to the Spring SU Athletic Director's Honor Roll. Finally set the Camping World Bowl record with 8 tackles against Boston College, tying Donald Donkers record for the most tackles by a Syracuse defender in a bowl game.

Ruckers Senior year saw him as the Defensive team captain along with an All-ECAC selection. He also was the receipient of the Bill Horr award as Syracuse's most valuable player. Also took home the Don Edmonston award at the year-end dinner for intensity, drive, effort and attitude. Started all games and led all Orange linebackers with 74 tackles (15 TFL). Rucker broke his record set in his freshman year with 15 tackles vs Western Michigan, including two sacks in a shut out victory. In his final college game Rucker lead the Orangemen to a victory vs Wake Forest and was credited with six tackles, four for a loss along with a sack and 6 passes defended.

College career statistics

Career statistics			Defense
Season	Team	Games	Tck	TFL	FF/FR	Sck	Int	PD	Sfty	TD	Blk P/XP/FG
2035	Syracuse	12	39	4	1/0	2	0	18	0	0	0/0/1
2036	Syracuse	8	32	4	1/1	3.5	0	22	0	0	0/0/0
2037	Syracuse	12	56	11	4/1	2.5	2	38	0	1	0/0/0
2038	Syracuse	12	74	15	5/4	5	0	29	0	0	0/0/0

Professional career

Rucker was selected 8th Overall in the 2039 Draft by the Norfolk Seawolves.

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	40‑yd dash	20‑ss	3‑cone	Vert jump	Broad
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	235 lb (107 kg)

Achievements and records

Awards

Individual

• 2038: Bill Horr Award (Syracuse MVP)
• 2038: Don Edmonston Award for Intensity
• 2037: SU Athletic Honor Roll
• 2037: Camping World Bowl Tackle Record