Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Football
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – North Carolina defensive standout Kaimon Rucker was named as a finalist for the 2024 Jason Witten Man of the Year award on Monday. The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player’s leadership, both on and off the field.
Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football’s most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
A second-team All-ACC performer in 2023, Rucker started the year on the watch lists for the Nagurski and Bednarik Awards and registered six sacks this season despite missing a few games due to injury.
Throughout his career, Rucker has tallied 180 tackles, 22 sacks, 38.5 tackles-for-loss, four forced fumbles and an interception during five years in Chapel Hill. His 22 sacks rank sixth all-time at UNC, one ahead of the great Lawrence Taylor. His 38.5 TFL rank eighth all-time at UNC. Despite being limited to just eight games due to injury this season, Rucker managed to post 30 tackles, six sacks, eight TFL and an interception.
Rucker matched his career-high with eight tackles while adding a…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Atlantic Coast Conference…