Carroll Angeles

Rucker happy to be around Colts’ Manning
By Mike McLain - Tribune Chronicle
July 12, 2011
(two pages)
YOUNGSTOWN - The last thing that Chris Rucker wants to see is a disabled Peyton Manning when the
Indianapolis Colts open training camp.
As a rookie cornerback with the Colts, the Warren G. Harding graduate would like nothing better than to
get a chance to line up against Manning and intercept one of his passes. Manning recently revealed that he's
still bothered by a neck injury that required offseason surgery.
"It's amazing to be around him," said Rucker, who was drafted in the sixth round out of Michigan State
University. "Now to be on his team is amazing. I can't wait to be around him and see him in practice every
day."
In most years Rucker would be planning to join his new teammates for the start of training camp near the
end of the month. This isn't a normal year. The lockout of NFL players by the owners has put the clamps on
all offseason activity, with the exception of work done by the players on their time.
It's not an easy situation for a rookie anxious to establish himself. Like every other player in the NFL,
Rucker can't wait for the lockout to end so he can sign a contract and start the business of playing pro
football.
"I've been waiting to start," said Rucker at this year's Ursuline Football Camp, which concludes today. "It's
been a long time since we actually got to play football. Maybe the next week or so things will be settled,
and we'll get back to playing football."
Rucker recently finished a stellar four-year career with the Spartans. Last season he was fifth on the team in
tackles with 64 and was named All-Big Ten second team by "Rivals.com."
Rucker didn't waste much time in making his presence known in East Lansing. He started four games and
appeared in eight as a freshman in 2007. He was honorable mention All-Big Ten the next two seasons,
when he was firmly established as a starter.
What has to excite Colts' coaches is his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame. Big corners with speed are in high
demand on any level of play.
"I'm more of a physical corner," he said. "I like to go against the bigger receivers. My size matches up with
their size. I feel that will be a big advantage for me."
Playing against the quality receivers in the Big Ten was a great proving ground. There weren't many weeks
when Rucker could take it easy.
"Week in and week out you played against a good team," he said. "A team with good receivers and good
running backs. I think it really got me ready to take this next step."