Ex-Gopher Micah Rucker Sees Career End

Former Minnesota Gopher wide receiver Micah Rucker saw his college career end as the Panthers fell to Southern Illinois 30-11 in the first round of the NCAA FCS playoffs. He was recently named All-Ohio Valley Conference first team for the second straight year.

Micah Rucker, a native of Bonita Springs, FL, redshirted in 2003 and played in 34 plays as a redshirt freshman as Minnesota finished 7-5 and played in the Music City Bowl. Rucker appeared in all 12 games as a sophomore and finished with four receptions and 76 yards as he participated in 174 plays. The Golden Gophers posted a 7-5 record and played in the Music City Bowl for the second straight year. Rucker shined in the spring games in 2004 and 2005, but never got much of a chance in the regular season.

Rucker transferred to Eastern Illinois and was a Sports Network third-team All-American after having 49 receptions for 966 yards, the first EIU receiver since 1986 with more than 800 yards. Rucker was named to the first-team All-OVC and All-OVC Newcomer team. He led EIU in scoring with 78 points, having multiple touchdown performances against Indiana State, Illinois State, Tennessee Tech and Jacksonville State. Rucker had a three-touchdown game against Southeast Missouri, with 180 yards receiving and a season-high 183 yards against Indiana State. He was named OVC Newcomer of the Week two times.

Rucker had 55 catches for 777 yards (14.1 yards per reception) with nine touchdowns.