Lindenhurst’s Jeremy Ruckert to play in All-American Bowl
Lindenhurst's Jeremy Ruckert gets presented with a jersey after officially being named a U.S. Army All-American on Oct. 2, 2017. Credit: James Escher
The names alone are enough to turn heads and raise ears. Tim Tebow, Odell Beckham Jr, Adrian Peterson, and Andrew Luck are all on the list of former high school All-Americans. And now, Lindenhurst tight end Jeremy Ruckert is among them. Ruckert, who was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 6 in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, received his jersey at a ceremony at Lindenhurst High School Monday afternoon.
“It makes me feel good because I know I can be one of them someday,” Ruckert, who is committed to play at Ohio State next season, said of the illustrious list. “It shows that I’m at the same level that they were in high school. I just have to keep working and hopefully be just as good when I get to their level.”
Ruckert, who is widely considered to be among the top tight ends in the country, is only the second Long Islander to be selected for the game. Jason Gwaltney of North Babylon was selected to play in the January 2005 game, organizers said.
“My goal during this whole process was to bring Long Island a good name,” Ruckert said. “Everybody overlooks it a lot. Being one of two to come from Long Island to play in this game in its 18-year history is an honor and I’m excited to be in this position.”
As honored and excited as Ruckert may be, his focus remains on his 4-0 Lindenhurst football team and their quest for a Long Island Championship.
“My whole process, from when I was a sophomore getting recruited by schools, is that I try to keep it separate,” Ruckert said. “I really don’t want to bring anything that’s not involved with my team to the field.”
