Ryan Ruckdashel Commits to Minnesota

Ryan Ruckdashel, a 6-6, 260-pound offensive tackle from Apple Valley (MN) Eastview, has committed to Minnesota, according to sources close to his recruitment. Ruckdashel is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the state this season and made his official visit to Minnesota on Dec. 3.

Ryan Ruckdashel was named first-team KARE-11 and Minneapolis Star Tribune All-Metro. He was named first-team All-State by the Associated Press and second-team All-State by the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Ruckdashel's mother was happy about the decision.

"We're elated. How great it is to play at home and in the Big Ten.

Ruckdashel visited Iowa State last weekend and had planned to visit Michigan State Jan. 14. Ruckdashel had said that he planned to make all three visits before making his decision, but he had not received an offer from Michigan State. Ruckdashel saw a familiar face as he was hosted by redshirt sophomore Jon Shevlin, who also attended Eastview.

Eastview finished 5-5 this season, losing to Rochester John Marshall 20-14 in the Class 5A, Section 1 semifinals.

Ruckdashel received an offer from Minnesota after attending their football camp in June. He was named honorable mention All-Lake Conference in his first year as a starter after lettering as a sophomore.

Ruckdashel also wrestles as a heavyweight and had a 20-12 record last season. He is off to a 3-2 mark this year. He also throws the discus and had a best toss of 137 feet.

Ruckdashel is an excellent student with a 3.85 GPA. He was nominated by Eastview High School for the ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) Award. He was named as one of the 25 students statewide to be recognized. Ruckdashel told me that he plans to major in excerise science.

He also had scholarship offers from Ball State, Northern Illinois and Iowa State and had heard from Northwestern and Iowa, but he had eliminated those schools. He attended football camps at Iowa State, Wisconsin and Notre Dame.

Ruckdashel told me that he was recently timed with a 5.06-second 40-yard dash and bench pressed 185 pounds 31 times. His vertical is 28 inches.

He is considered to have excellent technique as a blocker and has demonstrated good aggressiveness.