The 11W Community Interview is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. You submit the questions and then we pass them on to the biggest names in the world of Ohio State athletics.
Ohio State landed a commitment in July from the top-rated tight end in the country when Lindenhurst, New York, five-star Jeremy Ruckert picked the Buckeyes over finalists Michigan, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.
The 6-foot-6, 240-pounder finished his senior season with 1,094 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns to lead Lindenhurst to its first Long Island Class I Championship. He also added 61 tackles, 13 sacks and two interceptions on defense for the Bulldogs while also handling kicking duties.
Ruckert signed his National Letter of Intent with Ohio State last month, but won't enroll in classes until June. He wants to play baseball this spring, as well as participate in postseason all-star games like the Polynesian Bowl, which takes place this evening.
Before he boarded his plane to Hawaii, though, Ruckert took a few minutes to talk with our readers about his sports fandom, craziest recruiting experience and much more in the 11W Community Interview.
Living close New York, are you a Yankees or Mets fan? Giants or Jets? Knicks or Nets? Rangers, Islanders or Devils? - OSU992
JR: “Yankees, Jets, Knicks and Islanders.”
What's your craziest story from riding the Long Island Railroad? - Desymond
JR: “I saw a fight a bunch of times.”
What is the better summer hangout: Fire Island or Montauk? - BIGspeed
JR: “Fire Island.”
What is your go-to song(s) in the weight room? - Mockjocks
JR: “March Madness by Future.”
If you had the opportunity to play a different position in college, what would that position be and why? - WezBuck28
JR: “Kicker, because they have the easiest job with the most pressure.”
Can you share any strange things that happened to you during your recruitment? - Daniel
JR: “My dog got out and we couldn't find him, so a couple coaches that were visiting drove around town looking for my dog and screaming his name.”
What other sports do you play, and what have you gained as a football player from a multi-sport background? - OSU992
JR: “Basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer. Every sports ties into football in its own way. Without the others, I'd be a doofy 6-foot-5 kid that can't run right.”
Any favorite college or pro players that you model your game after or looked up to when you were younger? -Abuckeye15
JR: “Rob Gronkowski.”
Most memorable high school game? - LongIslandBuckeye
JR: “My final game in the championship. We won our first one in history and I had my best game of my career.”
Which recruit in the class are you closest to and will you be roommates? - Keze
JR: “I'm close to all of them, and I'm not sure who I'm rooming with yet.”
