Nolan Rucci (born August 5, 2002)[1] is an American football offensive tackle for the Penn State Nittany Lions. He previously played for the Wisconsin Badgers.
| Penn State Nittany Lions – No. 72 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Offensive tackle |
| Class |  |
| Major | Management |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | August 5, 2002[1] Lititz, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 305 lb (138 kg) |
| Career history | |
| College |
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| High school | Warwick (Lititz, Pennsylvania) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Early life and high school
editRucci attended Warwick High School. He was rated as a five-star recruit, the 5th best offensive tackles, and the 14th overall prospect in the class of 2021.[2] Rucci also held offers from school such as Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Washington, and Wisconsin.[3] Ultimately, Rucci committed to play college football for the Wisconsin Badgers.[4]
College career
editWisconsin
editAfter taking a redshirt season in 2021,[5] Rucci played in three games for the Badgers in 2022.[6] In week eight of the 2023 season, he caught the game-winning touchdown on a trick play to help the Badgers beat Illinois.[7] During the 2023 season, Rucci appeared in three games for the Badgers including playing most of the snaps in the team's bowl game due to an injury to starter Jack Nelson.[8] After the season, Rucci entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[9]
Penn State
editRucci transferred to play for the Penn State Nittany Lions.[10]
Personal life
editRucci is the son of former NFL offensive lineman Todd Rucci, and All-American field hockey player Stacey Rucci. He also played with his brother Hayden at Wisconsin for three seasons.[11][12]
References
edit- ^ a b "Nolan Rucci Offensive Tackle Wisconsin". nfldraftbuzz.com. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ^ Cobb, Dave (September 8, 2020). "Wisconsin recruiting: Five-star offensive tackle Nolan Rucci commits to Badgers". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Bartholomew, Colten (September 9, 2020). "Badgers land 5-star OT recruit Nolan Rucci for Class of 2021". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Potrykus, Jeff (September 8, 2020). "Wisconsin has secured an oral commitment from a top offensive tackle for the 2021 class". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Potrykus, Jeff (January 5, 2024). "Once touted recruits, Kaden Johnson, Nolan Rucci leaving Wisconsin Badgers". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Kuhagen, Christopher (October 21, 2023). "Wisconsin's Hayden Rucci has heart-warming reaction to younger brother Nolan Rucci's game-winning touchdown vs. Illinois". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Bartholomew, Colten (October 21, 2023). "Inside Wisconsin football's go-ahead touchdown pass to an unlikely target to beat Illinois". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Kocorowski, Jake (January 4, 2024). "Wisconsin football lineman, a former 5-star recruit, enters transfer portal". Kenosha News. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ McVeigh, Griffin (January 4, 2024). "Wisconsin OL Nolan Rucci enters NCAA transfer portal". On3.com. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Snyder, Audrey (January 6, 2024). "Penn State lands Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci: How former 5-star OL fits with Nittany Lions". The Athletic. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Temple, Jesse (September 8, 2020). "Why continuity and connection made Wisconsin the choice for 5-star Nolan Rucci". The Athletic. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ McGonigal, Johnny (January 6, 2024). "Former Wisconsin 5-star OL Nolan Rucci commits to Penn State". PennLive.com. Retrieved May 11, 2024.