By Adam Abramson
I've found my sleeper: Micah Rucker.
Eastern Illinois wide receiver. Perfect measurables. Great numbers. Impressive human being.
Rucker played his high school ball on the West Coast of Florida, receiving several high profile offers. He chose The University of Minnesota.
For Rucker, it was almost a blessing and a curse.
The blessing: He found the woman of his dreams, Rebecca Fissehastion Yacob.
The curse: Minnesota had tons of talent at running back and used it often.
Rucker transferred to Eastern Illinois, Tony Romo's alma mater. In two seasons he pulled in 104 catches for 1,743 yards and 22 touchdowns. However, with the chance to showcase his talent came unthinkable pain.
Rucker's girlfriend, whom he met and fell in love with at Minnesota, was killed by a drunk driver. Rucker responded by creating a campus organization, Respect for Youth, to fight drunk driving. A far cry from the character issues attached to so many names of college prospects.
I talked to Rucker about his past and this weekend's draft.
Campus Confidential: Take me from your days as a big time prospect in Florida to today. What has all of this been like for you?
Micah Rucker: Man, going back to five years ago there has been so much ... I don’t know where to start. It's really just a blessing to be still playing football and getting the opportunity to play professionally! I am truly blessed. There have been many ups and downs, but my parents have led me to where I am today. I will be graduating on May 4, so all is well. Hard work is the key to anything.
CC: Guys like Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed, DeSean Jackson and Malcolm Kelly have been names thrown around in the first round. Have you seen tape of them? Are they a good representation of the class? How do you feel about this WR draft class top to bottom?
MR: Well, there are a bunch of good receivers out there. My Pro Day numbers speak for themselves [Rucker worked out at the Illinois Pro Day]. My biggest question was speed. 4.47 changed that. So, now they've got to find something else to talk about. I have better Pro Day numbers top to bottom than any wideout out there this year. 4.47 40-yard, 42" vertical, 11.3 broad jump, 20 reps on the bench, 11.2 sixty ... God has a great plan for me. I just want the opportunity and we can go from there!
CC: Why did you leave the University of Minnesota?
MR: I wanted to go somewhere where my talents could be biggest and where I could make plays. So Eastern gave me a great opportunity that I am thankful for.
CC: What does it mean to see guys like Terrell Owens and Tony Romo – "small school guys" – succeed in the league?
MR: The League is an equal opportunity employer! If you can play, you can play, it doesn't matter where your from. Marques Colston, [Tony] Romo, Joe Horn ... Hard work can really do wonders and talent can't be stopped. I'm happy to represent Eastern Illinois, it is a great place.
CC: If you could go back and do everything over, would anything change?
MR: I would change nothing. You know, I have learned and met a lot of great people along the way. ... Minnesota taught me a lot. I met the woman of my dreams there who eventually passed away, but I had a great time learning about football and life. ... When I speak to kids I let them know about what I've been through and what it takes. Right is better then wrong and I preach that.
CC: What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
MR: Size, speed, strength, raw ability. I just need to learn and listen, which I love doing. Route running is key for me and having someone teach me to stay low during routes. I want to learn and take everything in and all will be OK.
CC: Sell yourself to an NFL GM in 30 words.
MR: Everyone has talent at the NFL level. Hard work and desire are what pay off. Heart is something I have and hard work is what I pride myself on. I love learning and I love the game of football. Fear of failure is key for me, so I work day and night to help my team. I love working with people and hate to lose.