Offensive tackle Nolan Rucci has football in his genes. His father, Todd Rucci, played for the New England Patriots back in the day, and older brother Hayden Rucci is currently a tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers.
The Badgers aren't a consistent college football powerhouse, but they definitely can sign standout prospects from time to time. Rucci, a five-star lineman, will be joining his brother and is the latest stud to take his talents to Madison.
Next story to write... ?? pic.twitter.com/yTrDLYteNb
— Nolan Rucci (@nolanrucci) September 8, 2020
Rucci has looked incredible for Warwick High School in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and joins a nationally-ranked recruiting class for head coach Paul Chryst.
Nolan Rucci Commits to Wisconsin
Proud to welcome the future star of OLU:
Our man, @NolanRucci!?????
Epitome of smart, tough, dependable
Why Wisconsin for Nolan?
?To build something great and bring a natty to Madtown.?
#NSD21 » #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/49Qy8OBuNY— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 16, 2020
RELATED: 5-Star Tackle Could Be Alabama's Next All-American Lineman
Nolan Rucci is a five-star recruit, so it's safe to say many other teams were interested. Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Stanford, and Tennessee all gave him offers.
The Nittany Lions were thought to be favorites because that was Todd and Stacy Rucci's alma mater.
Ultimately, the offensive lineman will be joining a different Big Ten squad. Rucci has a great relationship with Badgers head coach Paul Chryst and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph, so it was easy to affirm the commitment on National Signing Day.
A little look at @NolanRucci's resume:
? Five-star recruit
? Invited to the 2021 All-American Bowl
? 2x First-team all-state
? Named to the 2020 USA Today All-USA preseason first team pic.twitter.com/Q86pkAPRtE— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 16, 2020
The recruiting process has looked much different due to the pandemic, but thankfully, Rucci didn't seem to have many issues with his visits, whether they were in-person or virtual.
Nolan Rucci Highlights
Nolan Rucci has the highlight reel to prove that he is incredibly talented. The 247Sports Composite cites him as the fifth-best offensive lineman in the entire class. With praise like that, he should have no trouble performing well at the college football level.
Scouts see a combination of impressive size (6-foot-8, 295 pounds) with exceptional footwork that will solidify Rucci as an All-American candidate for years.
With continued growth, a first-round selection in the NFL draft is not out of the question, either.
Nolan Rucci is an absolute UNIT on the field. ?@NolanRucci | @BadgerFootball | #OnWisconsin
Check out more of his highlights. ??
?: https://t.co/aVmvijSIYj pic.twitter.com/Fo6ycAb1gv— Hudl (@Hudl) December 16, 2020
Nolan Rucci has the chance to lead Wisconsin into a new era of success in the Big Ten.
