Rucker named to AFCA All-America First Team

WACO, Texas - Mars Hill wide receiver Craig Rucker was named to the 2018 AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America First Team, as announced on Wednesday morning.

Rucker, who was named the SAC Offensive Player of the year and a first team All-SAC wide receiver, finished the season ranked first in the conference in touchdowns (16), receiving yards (1,234), all-purpose yards (1,549), receiving yards per game (123.4) and receptions (82). He is ranked in the top five in NCAA Division II in receiving yards per game (No. 1), receiving yards (No. 4), receptions per game (No. 5) and receiving touchdowns (No. 5). For his efforts, Rucker was awarded SAC AstroTurf Football Offensive Player of the Week honors twice during the 2018 season.

Rucker set a Mars Hill record with five touchdown receptions on the road versus Limestone on September 29th and finished the game with a career-high 221 yards.  Two weeks later, Rucker added another 200-yard receiving game to his resume with 209 yards on eight receptions versus Carson-Newman.  He scored twice and had a career-high 86 yard touchdown reception.

"This is a great honor because he is an American Football Coaches' All-American," head coach Tim Clifton said.  "He's the fifth one in our program's history and I think he's one of the most dynamic players not only in DII, but also in the country."

The Orlando, Florida native also earned a spot on the D2CCA All-Super Region II First Team, as well as a nomination for the Harlon Hill Trophy.

"It's a blessing and an unexplainable feeling," Rucker said.

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