Three-star in-state DL enjoys return trip to Tennessee
3-Star DT Zion Rucker breaks down Tennessee visit
Tennessee hosted quite a few in-State athletes over the weekend, especially from the mid-state. Looks like the coaching staff is going to make that area a serious priority for this class considering there’s a lot more top talent there than other years. One of the prospects from the mid State that Tennessee hosted over the weekend was 3-Star defensive tackle Zion Rucker, a native of Smyrna. We recently caught up with Rucker in an interview, regarding the visit and how it’ll affect his recruitment going forward.
When asked about what stood out, Rucker brought up what he thought was the best part of the entire visit when he got some face time with the coaching staff. “The best part that stood out was when we were in the team room and they were showing us what defenses they run, and how everything breaks down.” Usually this is something that the staff do with most recruits to see how they react to being in the film room, and to give them an idea of what it will be like for said prospect to play in their scheme. For Rucker, this meant that they could see him playing all across the line in the base 3-4 defense. “They think I would fit best as a defensive lineman, not just knowing the defensive tackle position, but having the ability to flip and switch between all positions across the defensive line.” This is pretty much what the coaching staff does with every defensive lineman they recruit; they like guys that fit anywhere on the front and Rucker fits that mold.
Rucker has no set date for a decision but has some more visits lined up to Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Despite looking at these other schools, the appeal to play for Tennessee is there and Rucker quotes the fans for that. “I really could see myself playing here. It’s going to be a hard decision but I like the love that the (Tennessee) fans show, and the coaches make it feel like home.” He also shouts out Vol nation and calls them “amazing fans” when asked about the appeal to play for the Vols. But most important to him is the coaches and an opportunity to develop into one of the best. “Most importantly, I feel like I could go and get the correct coaching to make my dream come true.” This speaks volumes to the coaching staff at Tennessee that recruits can look at their track record of player development and want to play for them based primarily off of it.
One can assume the “dream” Rucker is referring to is to one day play in the NFL, and he thinks he’ll have the correct coaching to do so with the staff in place. Like mentioned earlier, there’s no set time for Rucker to announce a commitment, but from this interview you have to like Tennessee’s chances going forward, if they choose to offer and push for Rucker which seems likely. Guess we’ll have to wait and see if this track record of player development, fan support and appeal to stay home can lure the Smyrna native to Knoxville.