Chris Rucker of Michigan State ~ 6.2/200
"A tall, long-armed corner who possesses good size for the position. Likes to try to be physical with receivers off the line and use his length to disrupt their timing into the pass game. Exhibits pretty good body control for a guy his size, anticipates routes well and can be really difficult to separate from underneath once he can get his hands on you. However, needs to continue to work on his footwork, especially initially into his drop.
Displays some natural bend at his waist, but sits into his stance with one foot in front of the other and really struggles to keep his pad level down and maintain his balance into his bump/press and out of his breaks. Lacks ideal fluidity when asked to turn and run and struggles to get back up to speed vertically. Isn’t a burner by any stretch, doesn’t possess a real second gear and fails to quickly make up for a false step. Plays on the boundary side typically where he isn’t responsible for covering as much ground, and could be exposed even more in space.
Exhibits an above-average feel in zone coverage. Gets his head around quickly, can locate the football and displays pretty good ball skills when asked to go up and make a play. Isn’t as physical a tackler as his frame would indicate, but he can free himself from blocks on the outside and isn’t afraid to stick his head in vs. the run.
Impression: Possesses good size and does have some natural coordination and body control when asked to go up and attack the football. However, he needs time to clean up his footwork and lacks ideal fluidity/straight-line speed when asked to turn and run down the field. He’s a guy you can’t trust on the outside vs. NFL-caliber receivers at this time and simply isn’t quick enough to play in the slot. Will get a chance to compete in an NFL training camp, but his skill set might be better suited for the free safety spot."
Displays some natural bend at his waist, but sits into his stance with one foot in front of the other and really struggles to keep his pad level down and maintain his balance into his bump/press and out of his breaks. Lacks ideal fluidity when asked to turn and run and struggles to get back up to speed vertically. Isn’t a burner by any stretch, doesn’t possess a real second gear and fails to quickly make up for a false step. Plays on the boundary side typically where he isn’t responsible for covering as much ground, and could be exposed even more in space.
Exhibits an above-average feel in zone coverage. Gets his head around quickly, can locate the football and displays pretty good ball skills when asked to go up and make a play. Isn’t as physical a tackler as his frame would indicate, but he can free himself from blocks on the outside and isn’t afraid to stick his head in vs. the run.
Impression: Possesses good size and does have some natural coordination and body control when asked to go up and attack the football. However, he needs time to clean up his footwork and lacks ideal fluidity/straight-line speed when asked to turn and run down the field. He’s a guy you can’t trust on the outside vs. NFL-caliber receivers at this time and simply isn’t quick enough to play in the slot. Will get a chance to compete in an NFL training camp, but his skill set might be better suited for the free safety spot."
"Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 64/2/7. Junior totals included 58 tackles with seven pass breakups. Arrested last October on a charge of drunk driving.
Positive: Nice-sized cornerback with a solid overall game. Quick footed moving in reverse, fluid turning his hips, and loses nothing transitioning to run with receivers down the field. Jams opponents at the line, bumps throughout the route, and plays with physicality. Shows good awareness in zone assignments.
Negative: Does too much face guarding, slow getting his head back around, and at times late locating the pass.
Analysis: Rucker has been a solid cover man for the Spartans and offers the skills that translate well to the next level. He needs to improve his playmaking ability when his back is to the ball, but he could be very effective in a zone system or if backed off the line of scrimmage."
Positive: Nice-sized cornerback with a solid overall game. Quick footed moving in reverse, fluid turning his hips, and loses nothing transitioning to run with receivers down the field. Jams opponents at the line, bumps throughout the route, and plays with physicality. Shows good awareness in zone assignments.
Negative: Does too much face guarding, slow getting his head back around, and at times late locating the pass.
Analysis: Rucker has been a solid cover man for the Spartans and offers the skills that translate well to the next level. He needs to improve his playmaking ability when his back is to the ball, but he could be very effective in a zone system or if backed off the line of scrimmage."
"Positives: Has excellent height for the position, has adequate bulk and pretty good speed... Is a physical player, not afraid to mix it up with bigger receivers and blockers... Pretty good production in four years at MSU (181 tackles, six interceptions)... Has average fluidity in the hips for his size... Big and strong enough to match up well in press coverage... Gets off blocks pretty well, displays good upper-body strength... Is an adequate zone defender, sniffs out screens pretty well and has the speed and quickness to defend underneath routes well.
Negatives: Had some off-the-field character issues including being charged for a fight in 2009 which resulted in a suspension from the team, was also charged with a DUI... Instincts are not great, gets out of position too often and does not look very disciplined at times... Gets a little too upright in the backpedal, needs to stay lower and keep a good center... Is a little raw in general, plays well in run support, but often gives up too much separation at the break... Will need a good amount of coaching in the NFL, has upside, but looks like a project/special teamer right now."
Negatives: Had some off-the-field character issues including being charged for a fight in 2009 which resulted in a suspension from the team, was also charged with a DUI... Instincts are not great, gets out of position too often and does not look very disciplined at times... Gets a little too upright in the backpedal, needs to stay lower and keep a good center... Is a little raw in general, plays well in run support, but often gives up too much separation at the break... Will need a good amount of coaching in the NFL, has upside, but looks like a project/special teamer right now."
"Overview: Rucker is a very good sized, physically imposing corner, who many feel will be a safety at the next level. Like Dell his future is clouded by the continuing police investigation of the November 22nd fight at a campus dorm involving players and fraternity members. No charges have been filed. Dantonio said that the suspended players including: Rucker and wide receivers Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham will not travel to the bowl game.
Strengths: Great frame and could likely carry 210, uses his hands well and has fine ball-skills.
Weaknesses: Not extremely fast would need to be in a Cover 2 scheme to stay on the corner. May project to FS."
Strengths: Great frame and could likely carry 210, uses his hands well and has fine ball-skills.
Weaknesses: Not extremely fast would need to be in a Cover 2 scheme to stay on the corner. May project to FS."
"Michigan State University's Chris L. Rucker is currently a senior cornerback for the Spartans. Rucker has started games in all his four years at MSU. He recently served eight days in jail for a probation violation. He was arrested for a DUI on October 10th that was later downgraded to a reckless driving. He also was convicted of a misdemeanor assault back in March.
Character issues aside, Rucker is a NFL prospect with NFL-ready size and speed. He is adequate in man coverage and could be much smoother in his hips. His technique will need to improve at the next level, as he allows receivers inside leverage on slant routes too easily and can be beat deep due to poor transitions when playing deep ball. Often plays the man, rather than the ball, when his back is to the quarterback.
Rucker will likely slip a round due to his recent off-the-field issues. Heading into the season he was one of those borderline players trying to earn his way into the second tier of cornerbacks. Due to issues and mediocre play, he is slipping on draft boards.
Rucker currently projects as a sixth round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft."
Character issues aside, Rucker is a NFL prospect with NFL-ready size and speed. He is adequate in man coverage and could be much smoother in his hips. His technique will need to improve at the next level, as he allows receivers inside leverage on slant routes too easily and can be beat deep due to poor transitions when playing deep ball. Often plays the man, rather than the ball, when his back is to the quarterback.
Rucker will likely slip a round due to his recent off-the-field issues. Heading into the season he was one of those borderline players trying to earn his way into the second tier of cornerbacks. Due to issues and mediocre play, he is slipping on draft boards.
Rucker currently projects as a sixth round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Chris Rucker
Trouble.
Trouble, trouble, trouble.
I wouldn't, if I were you.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
Trouble, trouble, trouble.
I wouldn't, if I were you.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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