CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – A five-year standout with the University of North Carolina football program is being recognized for his contributions on and off the field.
UNC defensive lineman Kaimon Rucker was named as a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, the award’s selection committee announced Tuesday.
“I’m honored to announce the semifinalists for the Collegiate Man of the Year,” said Witten, who played three years at Tennessee before embarking on a 17-season NFL career. “These 20 young men perfect examples of what makes college football so great. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership and character, often while overcoming large challenges. They are great representatives for their schools and the game of football, and I commend all nominees for getting to this point.”
Rucker is among 20 people in contention for the eighth iteration of the award, which honors exemplary leadership by college football players. He’s one of two semifinalists from the Atlantic Coast Conference, along with Syracuse senior linebacker Justin Barron.
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CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 18: North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Kaimon Rucker (25) tackles Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) during a college football game on November 18, 2023 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 04: Kaimon Rucker #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels rushes against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 59-7. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) -
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 14: Kaimon Rucker #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels defends a pass to Colbie Young #4 of the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) -
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 07: Kaimon Rucker #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) -
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 24: Head coach Mack Brown and Kaimon Rucker #25 of North Carolina Tar Heels react at the start of the fourth quarter during their spring game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) -
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 09: Kaimon Rucker #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a win against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 40-34 in double overtime. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Rucker, a second-team All-ACC selection in 2023, is on the watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik Awards, given to the best defensive player in the nation. Meanwhile, the graduate student has also left a positive, lasting impact away from gridiron.
His acts include buying personal hygiene items for fifth graders at his old elementary school, as well as conducting a seminar to help educate students about this phase of their lives. Rucker also spent time last summer going through training to become a mentor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, helping young men discover their faith.
During his junior year, Rucker earned the ACC Top Six in Service Award for his outstanding dedication to community service. After his playing career, Rucker plans to follow his passion for mental health awareness and use his degree to become a sports psychologist. He’s already served as a speaker for the UNC Mental Health Symposium.
Three finalists for the award will be chosen on Dec. 16. The winner is slated to be announced during an award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Feb. 12, 2025.