Latest news with #KaimonRucker
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Star UNC pass rusher signed by reigning AFC North Champions
Star UNC pass rusher signed by reigning AFC North Champions Can this former Tar Heel star make a final, 53-man NFL roster? Despite playing in just eight of UNC's 13 football games during the 2024 college football season, Kaimon Rucker still found plentiful ways to contribute during his final season in Chapel Hill. Rucker started six of the eight contests he appeared in, totaling 30 tackles (16 solo), eight tackles for loss (fourth on the Tar Heels), six sacks (third on North Carolina), three quarterback hurries, an interception and pass breakup apiece. Rucker's best game was during UNC's 41-14 domination of Virginia, when he set season highs of 3.5 TFLs and three sacks. While Rucker didn't hear his name called in April's NFL Draft, his valuable contributions – over five years as a Tar Heel – proved he deserves a shot at professional football. Rucker's dreams of continuing his football career recently came true. On Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens signed Rucker as a UDFA (undrafted free agent). Rucker, who also earned Second Team All-ACC Honors in 2023, joins a Baltimore squad that proves to maximize its defensive players' talent. Despite sporting the NFL's second-worst pass defense (244.1 yards per game allowed) in their 2024-2025 campaign, the Ravens were amongst the NFL's best at generating pressure and sacking the quarterback. Kyle Van Noy recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks, while former Penn State linebacker Odafe Oweh notched 10 sacks. In total, 13 Ravens tallied multiple sacks. Rucker sported solid numbers across his 5-year UNC career: 180 total tackles (100 solo), 38.5 TFLs and 22 sacks. He'll look to improve upon those numbers in what we hope is a successful NFL career. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
NBC Sports
13-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Ravens agree to terms with undrafted rookie Kaimon Rucker
The Ravens are signing undrafted free agent Kaimon Rucker, Jeff Zrebiec of reports. The North Carolina outside linebacker had a tryout at the Eagles' rookie minicamp. The Ravens had an open spot on their 90-player roster and now have a 21-player undrafted free agent class. Rucker played five seasons at North Carolina and earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2023. His 2024 season was cut short with a fractured fibula, but he made 16 tackles and six sacks in eight games. In his career, Rucker made 100 tackles, 22 sacks and four forced fumbles.
USA Today
02-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals meet with North Carolina EDGE Kaimon Rucker at NFL combine
Arizona Cardinals meet with North Carolina EDGE Kaimon Rucker at NFL combine One of the players the Cardinals met with at the combine was a North Carolina pass rusher. The Arizona Cardinals met with many draft prospects at the NFL combine this past week. While most we do not know, some of the players revealed that fact. One was North Carolina edge defender Kaimon Rucker. When he had his media interview at the combine, he indicated he had an interview with the Cardinals. He noted the energy they came with. Rucker played five seasons for the Tar Heels and had 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over his final two seasons. In only eight games last season, he had six sacks and eight tackles for loss, as he was hampered by injuries. He is 6-foot-1 and 254 pounds with 32 5/8-inch arms. He opted out of all athletic testing except the bench press, totaling 27 reps at 225 pounds. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
