Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen just let out a huge sigh of relief. Not that Christensen had much to worry about anyways with a huge part of his record-setting offense returning for next season, but it just got even stronger. Junior tight end Martin Rucker has withdrawn his name from NFL draft consideration and will return to Columbia for his senior year.
Rucker caught a career-high 53 passes last season for 511 yards and five touchdowns. He was named 1st-Team All-Big 12 for his play.
“I’m glad that I looked into this, it was a good experience to go through, and the feedback I got was really positive,” said Rucker. “I’m very excited about the chance to eventually play in the NFL, but I believe that playing one more year at Mizzou will be best for me.”
Back to that offense Christensen will be head of. Nine of the 11 starters from the 2006 Sun Bowl offense will return next season. It’ll be the same nine starters that put up 561 yards of total offense against Oregon State in the bowl loss.
Rucker is already the school’s record holder for career catches and receiving yards by a tight end. Yes, even more than that Winslow guy. Good things should be headed Mizzou’s way on the offensive side of the ball next year.
