Two-star defensive back/wide receiver Chris Rucker (5-8, 165, 4.4), from Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day finished his senior season with 650 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. He also had 12 carries for 215 yards and three touchdowns. His team finished the season 8-3.
Although Rucker prefers offense, he says that most schools are recruiting him for defense. "I really want to play wide receiver," Rucker said. "But now it seems like most schools want me for defensive back. I guess I have to decide if I want to play for a big-time school or play wide receiver for a small program. I never really liked defense and only played it to help out my team. I've just always considered myself more of a playmaker and I think I can do that more on offense."
Rucker favors Iowa slightly over Michigan, Purdue, Bowling Green and Central Michigan. All of his favorites have offered, except the Wolverines.
"I sent Michigan some film from this season and I'm waiting to hear back from them," Rucker said. "I spoke with their coaches a few weeks ago and they seemed pretty interested. If they offer me I think I'll commit. It's close to home (only 45 minutes away) and it's a big-time program. They had a great season and are always a good team. They'd be hard to say no to."
Of course until the Wolverines offer, the Hawkeyes are Rucker's top choice. He'll be visiting Iowa next weekend (December 8) and had an in-home visit from their defensive back coach Phil Parker. "He's cool," Rucker said. "He talked with me about my official visit and said that I'd fit in well there. He says that they have two senior defensive backs that are leaving and that I'd be the fastest defensive back in their lineup and that I'd probably see some playing time as a freshman."
Rucker says he'll be visiting Purdue in January, but hasn't set the exact date yet. Central Michigan is the only school recruiting Rucker for wide receiver. Bowling Green said he'd be able to go both ways.
He reports a 3.2 core GPA and a 20 ACT.