Micah Rucker mania: Feeding the hungry

by Ed Valentine on Feb 7, 2009 7:00 AM EST in New York Giants News

Micah Rucker mania seems to have struck in the comment thread of Friday's 'Prospecting' post.

Pretty amazing for a guy who was undrafted out of Eastern Illinois following the 2007 season, then was cut last season by both Pittsburgh and Kansas City without ever getting off the practice squad for either team.

Here is some of what was said Friday about Rucker.

Also in his second year in the league is Micah Rucker. He signed with the GIANTS in December after being drafted by the Steeler’s. He’s 6’ 6 220 lbs with around 4.47 40 speed. Reports say he has good hands, runs good routes and can out jump DBs in a crowd to make the catch. Everthing I’ve found online on the kid is positive.

-- NY17NE14

I think Micah Rucker is going to be a standout for us in 2009, so I don’t have WR as the highest need.

-- sunlion333

Let's be clear. Rucker went to the Steelers as an undrafted free agent. He played at a small school, and there is a reason why two NFL teams have already jettisoned him.

Obviously, GM Jerry Reese knows more than any of us about NFL talent. That said, I don't think anyone connected with the Giants is counting on Rucker becoming their primary receiver in 2009.

Sure, the Giants will give him a chance. And maybe, just maybe, he will stick around -- doing what highly thought of young free agent receivers Brandon London and Anthony Mix couldn't the past couple of seasons.

Let's not go overboard, though. Anyway, for all you Rucker-maniacs here is a Youtube clip I was able to find of an Eastern Illinois game. Rucker (#80) is in many of the highlights.

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vs London and Mix

One of the main reasons London and Mix couldn’t make the team was the depth at receiver.

Plax and Toomer were 1 and 2 locked – that left Hixon, Smith, Mannigham , Moss, Tyree, and London fighting for 2 or three slots

This year, it looks like both Plax and Toomer are gone. That leaves (I guess) Hixon and Smith as 1 and 2 with a lot more openings for new guys to make an impression.

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by NYERinSF on Feb 7, 2009 1:21 PM EST reply actions

Good point

Unless they land a bigtime #1, this kid is going to get a shot.

by potroast on Feb 7, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks for the video

2 touchdowns and 2 first downs in 4 plays… I can live with that!

I’ve been concerned about why he’s been let go twice, but here’s what Steeler’s WR coach Fichtner said

“I’d love to coach Micah again … this is a business, and sometimes you aren’t able to keep everyone you want to keep … I thought he might have a good opportunity with someone else, but I still have his cell number.”

We’ll have to wait and see if he pans out or not. When’s the first practice we’ll get to see him, March?

by NY17NE14 on Feb 8, 2009 9:03 AM EST reply actions

Jerry Reese

I always remember that, In Reese We Trust. I’m sure he sees something in the kid that makes him want to give the guy an opportunity. So, I am not ready to put this guy in the Hall of Fame … but, I am intrigued.

by Ed Valentine on Feb 8, 2009 9:25 AM EST up reply actions

He may get cut a 3rd time

but like you have mentioned, with the smallish receivers we currently have, we desperately need someone to put the fear of a big play into the other teams defense. Maybe Rucker, maybe not.

Thanks agian for finding the video

by NY17NE14 on Feb 8, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

Look at the size of him (# 80) in the link the video

by NY17NE14 on Feb 8, 2009 9:19 AM EST reply actions

More Micah Rucker news...

The Daily Eastern News (den.com) reports that

He is currently living with an uncle in New Jersey who is a professor at a local college.Rucker is about 10 minutes from the Giants’ practice facility.

And there’s more good news. Ruckers been a Giants wide receiver since Dec 3 and he hasn’t been shot yet!!

(sorry, I just couldn’t pass it up :-)

by NY17NE14 on Feb 9, 2009 6:51 AM EST reply actions

So

Have you started the petition for the Micah Rucker Fan Club yet? T-shirts, billboards, the Budweiser Hot Seat, maybe?

by Ed Valentine on Feb 9, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

No but...

I am # 946 on the waiting list for the Micah Rucker FATHEAD poster!

Apparently they’re waiting for his number to be officially retired by the league before they release it!!! You know, it’s all about marketing and timing.

by NY17NE14 on Feb 9, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions