He played college football for the USC Trojans, and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2006 NFL draft.

He played running back and linebacker at Tustin High School and was named All-Golden West League MVP as a Senior in 2000.

He attended Santa Ana High School during his junior year and earned All-League honors as a linebacker.

In 2009, the Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North and Rucker finished with 13 tackles, and an interception returned 26 yards.

[10] The initiative would have granted exclusive grow rights to Rucker and the other investors in the plan, but ultimately it was defeated.