Kaimon Rucker took a major leap this season as a junior, bringing about some NFL Draft buzz and a chance to leave early. Earlier this month, Rucker spoke with the media and while he did confirm that he would play in the bowl game, he said he was still making a decision on his future plans.
On Friday, Rucker made those plans official, announcing that he would be returning for his final year of eligibility. The announcement came via a social media video that appeared to begin with him saying he was going pro before he eventually came back into the frame and said “actually, I kinda lied. College Football aint ready for the Butcher to leave yet so I’m gonna come back for one more year.”
Rucker’s return is a huge boost for next year’s defense that had already lost two key members to the NFL. He finished third in the ACC in tackles for loss (14.0) and sacks (8.5) and top five in the country in quarterback pressures (58). Aside from the stats, this gives the team a much-needed leader on that side of the ball with Cedric Gray turning pro.