Badgers land tight end for ’19 class

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Super Bowl LII was a showcase for former Wisconsin running backs as Philadelphia’s Corey Clement helped the Eagles win the first Lombardi Trophy and New England’s James White continued to excel for the Patriots.

Monday brought a reminder that UW has a solid track record sending tight ends to the National Football League, too.

Hayden Rucci, a 6-foot-5, 225pound tight end from Warwick High School in Lititz, Pa., announced on Twitter he had given UW an oral commitment for the 2019 class.

"He is absolutely convinced that it is a place where they are going to turn him into a tremendous football player at a great (academic) institution," said Warwick coach Bob Locker, lauding the work of UW tight ends coach Mickey Turner. "He liked everything about it."

Troy Fumagalli, who caught 46 passes for 547 yards and four touchdowns for UW last season, is projected as one of the top tight ends in the ’18 NFL draft.

Former UW tight ends who have been drafted include Lance Kendricks, a second-round pick in 2011 by the Rams; Travis Beckum, a third-round pick in 2009 by the New York Giants; Owen Daniels, a fourth-round pick in 2006 by the Houston Texans; and Garrett Graham, a fourth-round pick in 2010 by the Texans.

Rucci’s father, Todd Rucci, was an offensive lineman at Penn State who went on to play seven seasons with the Patriots (1993-’99).

Hayden Rucci, who also plays basketball and lacrosse for Warwick High School, is the eighth known commitment for the '19 class. He had football scholarship offers from more than a dozen schools.

That list included: Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Indiana, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Virginia, Boston College, Temple and Wake Forest.

"He thoroughly enjoyed his visit," Locker said, "and even when other schools were making offers he would also come back to Wisconsin.

"He is a kid who can catch a pass. Great hands. But he will also put his hand down and can be a great blocker when he needs to be."

According to Locker, Rucci carries a 4.0 grade-point average and values education.

"His parents have done a really good job helping him navigate the journey," Locker said. "We always knew he was athletically gifted but they have done a great job keeping him well-rounded."