Missouri junior tight end Martin Rucker began this season with all intentions of it being his last in Columbia. A lack of production and an improved program have caused Rucker to rethink his plans.

Rucker was considered one of the best tight ends coming into the season and expected to be a high-round draft pick in April. His 47 catches for 567 yards and a touchdown in 2005 landed him on the 2006 Mackey Award Watch List. So far this year, Rucker has 36 receptions for 315 yards and four touchdowns. The emergence of sophomore tight end Chase Coffman (42 receptions, 446 yards, 6 TDs.) has cut into Rucker’s production.

Even though his stats are only good enough for second-best on his team, Rucker ranks third in the Big 12 among tight ends in catches, yards, and touchdowns. He is only the fourth Missouri tight end to record 1,000 receiving yards.

Related web sites:
Mizzou Official Website