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 |
|
| High school | Warwick (Lititz, Pennsylvania) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Early life and high school
editRucci attended high school at Warwick. Coming out of high school, Rucci 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 decided to commit to play college football for the Wisconsin Badgers.[4][5]
College career
editWisconsin
editDuring Rucci's freshman season in 2021, he would use the season to redshirt and did not appear in any games.[6] In the 2022 season, Rucci would play in three games for the Badgers.[7] In week eight of the 2023 season, Rucci caught the game winning touchdown on a trick play to help the Badgers beat Illinois.[8][9] During the 2023 season, Rucci would appear 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.[10] After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Rucci decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[11][12]
Penn State
editRucci decided to transfer to play for the Penn State Nittany Lions.[13][14]
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.[15][16]
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.
- ^ VanHaaren, Tom (September 8, 2020). "Wisconsin makes splash with addition of ESPN 300 OL recruit Nolan Rucci". ESPN. 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.
- ^ Lazenby, Bryce (October 21, 2023). "Nolan Rucci delivers as Wisconsin dials up wild game-winning TD vs. Illinois". Saturday Tradition. 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.
- ^ Postins, Matthew (January 5, 2024). "Badgers Five-Star Offensive Lineman Enters Transfer Portal". Sports Illustrated. 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.
- ^ Snyder, Ryan (January 6, 2024). "Penn State picks up legacy offensive tackle Nolan Rucci out of transfer portal". On3.com. 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.