Top Texas Prospect Hidden Gem: ATH Ethan Rucker

Ethan Rucker is a Top Texas Prospect with the skill set to play at the next level. Photo Cred: JL Studios

Written By: Roman Alacron

Top Texas Prospect's mission is to "Shine The Light On Hidden Gems"—players who possess exceptional talent but may be flying under the radar or on the cusp of breaking out. Our goal is to provide these athletes with the exposure they deserve, highlighting their skills and potential to help them gain the recognition and opportunities they need to succeed. We are dedicated to giving these hidden gems the spotlight, ensuring their talents are seen and appreciated.

Ethan Rucker of Celina High School should be a household name after his stellar senior season. Rucker hasn’t garnered the attention that he deserves. He hasn’t received an offer from a college program.

First, let’s talk about why he probably doesn’t currently have an offer. Ethan stated, “I was disappointed in my junior year.” He had limited playing time and reps, in fact, his stats can't be found from last season. Nevertheless, this set him up for an impressive senior year.

Right before I tell you why he should have a D1 offer immediately, I want you to understand my impression of him. Let’s take it back to a few weeks ago in the playoffs.

It’s Celina vs. Alvarado, the 4A-D 1 Regional final. Rucker played his heart out. He had an impressive catch and run that gave the Bobcats the lead late in the game. Bowe Bentley (who is an excellent quarterback I might add) threw the ball a little high and wide. No problem for Rucker. He just casually brings it in and trots into the end zone for six. Obviously, I had to interview him after that catch. I caught up with Rucker immediately after that big win. “How is recruiting so far?” “It’s going pretty slow,” he responds. “But I just keep my head up. I know the right one is coming.”

Keep his head up, he did. He and the Bobcats steamrolled their way to the state championship last weekend at AT&T Stadium.

The Bobcats faced off against a tough Kilgore squad. Kilgore came in as one of the best teams in Texas with a 13-2 record this season. The Bulldogs had one of the better defenses in the state. Throughout the playoffs, Kilgore held their opponents to less than 14 points (with an average 9.2 points a game) and their offense scored an average of 48.8 points per game.

After Carthage celebrated their big win in the previous game, the Celina Bobcats took the field to begin their game preparation. They knew how dangerous the Kilgore Bulldogs were as a team and the Bobcats knew they couldn't make any mistakes in this game.

The Celina offense started the game by throwing it to their go-to receiver. Ethan gets open early and creates well over 5 yards of separation to get the first TD of the game.

Kilgore responds fast, but Celina responded just a quick. Rucker runs a slant route with the defender close behind him. As he receives the ball, the defender jumps at his legs. Rucker stumbles but ultimately breaks the tackle and runs 50 yards down field for the TD.

Fast forward into the third quarter, the Bobcats have a comfortable lead, but the Bulldogs are threatening to score. The Bobcats defense got pressure on Kilgore QB Kayson Brooks, leading to an interception that was cradled in by Rucker. It was Celina’s second interception of the game. This allowed the Bobcats to put the game out of reach for the Bulldogs.

“There was a miscommunication.” Ethan said after the game. “I wasn’t in the right spot. But the ball came my way, and I had to make a play for my team.”

Celina ended their dominant season with a ring and the team’s emotions were running high.

Celina head coach Bill Elliott later said, “Definitely fitting how we performed, the offense and the defense showed up, they just continued to put their foot down.”

Rucker went on to say after the game, “I’ve prayed for times like this all my life since I started playing football.”

This was most certainly Rucker’s biggest game to date, and he did nothing but show up and show out. He’s had an incredible year and now he has the hardware to back it up. His final season stats were remarkable, totaling 74 receptions for 1,465 yards (19.8 YPC), and 18 touchdowns. Rucker put up ridiculous numbers to say the least. It’s outrageous that he doesn't have any D1 offers yet. GM Sports Media writer Brian Gosset said he was impressed by Rucker’s play all season long. When I informed him, that Rucker has no D1 offers Gosset said, “I’m surprised. I’m sure he’ll have quite a few soon.”

Ethan Rucker has the skill set that college coaches covet at the next level. He has an athletic frame with an extended catch radius, he runs crisp routes and his ability to get open often makes him a reliable target. Rucker has the speed to stretch the field and make big grabs deep downfield. He will be a steal for the program that gets him on campus.