Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Anthony Rucker

Anthony Rucker has a big presence — the freshman for CFCA stands tall at 6-foot-2 and weighs 204 pounds — and has made a big impact in his first season with the Eagles to match. Rucker scored the game-winning touchdown for CFCA Aug. 31, giving the Eagles a 24-22 win over Lake Mary Prep. Rucker scored on a 15-yard rush with 30 seconds remaining.

Tell us about your game-winning touchdown run against Lake Mary Prep.

It was a quarterback run. Most importantly was the blocking — everybody was on their man, and they did their part. That’s what really helped me get to the end zone. It felt good.

What do you enjoy the most about coming over to CFCA this year?

My teammates — most definitely. They’re cool and they’re easy to talk to. They help me out with the plays when I don’t know something.

What has led to the team’s strong start?

Our offensive strength is blocking, most definitely. Our offensive line is dominant. Defensively, our defensive line is dominant, as well.

How long have you been playing football?

I’ve been playing football since I was 5 years old. At first, I was younger, and my older brother played football, so that made me really want to play. Once I started playing, I was like, “I really want to do this.”

Which professional or college teams and players are your favorites?

My favorite college is Florida State and my favorite NFL team is the New York Giants. Odell Beckham Jr. is my favorite player.

What is something you want to improve on this season?

Throwing — I want to improve my accuracy.

What do you think you would like to study in college?

I want to study chemical engineering. I’ve always wanted to be an engineer. I was researching different types (of engineers) and that really stood out to me.

What’s your go-to meal after practice or a game?

McDonald’s. My go-to order is a Quarter Pounder with fries and a drink.

If you and your teammates could play a game in any stadium, which would you choose?

I would want to play at Ohio State’s stadium. It looks very nice. Either there or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Atlanta Falcons play.

If you could visit any city in the world, where would you go?

Toronto. I know a lot of people who have been to Toronto and the way they make it seem, it seems like a lot of fun and like you could do a lot of stuff there — even though it’s cold.