It will be a new-look UNC football program when they take the field in August against Minnesota to open the 2024 season. The Tar Heels have seen some big names leave the team for the NFL or the transfer portal, while Mack Brown and his team look to remake the roster.
But among those returning is one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s best pass rushers, Kaimon Rucker. “The Butcher” is back for another season, leading the UNC defense this fall.
While we wait for the new season, 247 Sports released a list of the most underrated players in all of college football. And right on that list was Rucker:
Kaimon Rucker earned Second Team All-ACC honors last season but flew under the radar from a national perspective. The North Carolina edge rusher posted 61 total tackles, including 15 for loss, with 8.5 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures. Rucker also had a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup at the line. Despite being undersized, Rucker is still highly disturbing. The fifth-year veteran should draw more attention in 2024 as one of the veteran leaders on the Tar Heels’ defense.
Rucker has been fantastic for UNC in his career, enjoying another big year last season with 8.5 sacks. He had 12 quarterback pressures which also led the defense.
UNC expects him to be a leader this season and establish the pass rush once again.
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