More official visits coming for three-star 2024 Florida RB D’Marius Rucker
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Even with 22 offers and three-star recruiting status, it still feels like D’Marius Rucker is a 2024 talent flying under the radar. Rucker was part of a three-headed monster attack out of the Dreadnaughts’ backfield that helped bring a 2022 Florida state championship to Lakeland High School. Rucker is still undecided on the recruiting trail with one official taken and more to come.
Lakeland poured it on the opposition a year ago, nearly amassing 3,100 yards on the ground, in which Rucker was the leader in carries (91), yards (940), and rushing touchdowns (11).
The Dreadnaughts are looking to repeat with an offense that will once again lay it on 4S opponents.
“This year it will be crazy,” Rucker said. “We have crazy talent all over the field. This year we are running a hurry-up offense. We will keep it the same, but speed it up. We have our receivers out wide to get the running backs out in space. Running a Spread offense with our talent, defenses can’t pick on one area to try and stop. We will throw more and let the running backs go up the middle and work their magic.”
The speed is there with a reported 4.4-flat 40-yard dash time and a 10.98 posted in the 100 meters. Rucker isn’t relying solely on his speed to carry him forward.
“I’ve been working on going north and south and getting in and out of my cuts faster,” Rucker stated. “I had to learn every play is not going for 100. This offseason I worked on getting my legs stronger so not one man will not bring me down. I’ve been working on breaking tackles, getting stronger, being a leader, getting up the field, being a north and south runner, and being the best I can be for my team.”
The offer sheet is lined with teams like Tennessee, South Carolina, Iowa State, and Georgia Tech with Utah, Ole Miss, and Michigan showing interest.
Rucker shared which schools are in hot contact, “USF (South Florida), App (Appalachian) State, and Utah.”
The first official visit taken was a June 16 drive down I-4 to hang with the Bulls in Tampa.
“USF was great,” Rucker said. “They showed a lot of love. I felt welcomed. They made me feel at home. When I was there, it was not all about football, we talked about family and being a man on and off the field.”
Being the offensive coordinator in Tennessee’s prolific attack during the 2022 season, Rucker likes the offense head coach Alex Golesh is bringing to USF.
“I am impressed with their scheme,” Rucker shared. “Alex Golesh is from Tennessee, they will be a fast-paced offense. Last year at Tennessee, they ran the most plays in the SEC; I think they were running 10 plays in a minute. Coach Will Bahler was at Lakeland. Him being there, having that bond, and USF is close to home; it feels like it is in my backyard.”
Other official visits are in the works, but to where is being kept under wraps for now.
“I am planning them for the season,” Rucker stated.
Wherever he may go, those paid for trips will happen soon because a commitment could be coming by October.
“It won’t be too long, I plan on committing around mid-season,” Rucker said.