Kaimon Rucker is expected to be another leader on the Tar Heel football squad’s defense this season.
Carolina’s “jack” linebacker, who primarily rushes the passer but can also drop back in coverage when needed, enters year four in Chapel Hill. He’s started 15/37 games over his first three collegiate seasons, recording a 37-tackle (seven for loss), 3.5-sack, 8-pressure, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup last year.
Not only is Rucker a talented football player, he’s also quite the gentlemen off the field.
On Wednesday, July 12, Rucker was nominated for Allstate’s AFCA Good Works Team. According to GoHeels.com, this award is given to someone who is both a talented student-athlete and shows dedication to their respective community.
If Rucker is selected as a winner, he will join 10 other FBS players, 11 players from Division I, II, III and NAIA, plus one head coach.
Rucker’s spent time in Chapel Hill with multiple charitable causes. According to GoHeels.com, he spoke at UNC’s Mental Health Symposium, participated in the Extra Yard for Teachers, UNC Children’s Hospital visits, the Boomerang after school program, elementary school field days, youth football camps and various other charitable activities.
While there’s a little over a month until Rucker and the Gridiron Heels kick off 2023 in Bank of America Stadium against South Carolina (Saturday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC), it’s nice to see players – who we only physically see on gamedays – get recognized for their off-the-field work.
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