UNC Football: Rucker named Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week
The senior defensive standout got off to a great start, as he helped lead the UNC football program to an opening night victory over South Carolina.
After putting together a tremendous effort in the UNC football program’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina, senior defensive standout Kaimon Rucker has been named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week.
Colorado QB Shadeur Sanders & North Carolina LB Kaimon Rucker are Walter Camp National Players of the Week
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 3, 2023
The Tar Heels’ defense was outstanding on Saturday night, recording 9 total sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Rucker was a major part of that, recording eight tackles (six solo) while also registering two sacks.
Heading into the start of the 2023 season, many wondered if the UNC football program’s defense could improve from a season ago, as their struggles on that side of the ball were well-documented. Rucker, and the rest of the Tar Heels defense, gave fans of the program hope that this year’s unit is in line for major improvements, especially in regard to putting pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Yes, it’s one game, but you have to give credit to Rucker for his individual performance and the Tar Heels defense as a whole for their efforts on primetime. The hope is that this will carry over as the UNC football program gets set to host Appalachian State in their home opener on Saturday afternoon.
Along with Rucker, Colorado quarterback Shadeur Sanders took home the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week Award. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, set school records en route to leading Colorado to a major upset victory over No. 17-ranked TCU.
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