Xavier Rucker is headed downtown.
The Allatoona running back recently announced his commitment to play football at Georgia Tech.
“The reason I wanted to join Georgia Tech was because, out of all the schools I went to, they just seemed like the most wholesome, loving family,” Rucker said. “They’ve got coaches that actually care for you and want to see you grow as a man. When head coach Brent Key sat me down in his office, he was such a generous person and a cool dude who was relatable.”
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Rucker chose the Yellow Jackets over other power-conference schools such as Auburn, Indiana, Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech. He also had offers from Georgia Southern, Georgia State and Kennesaw State.
The No. 28-ranked running back in the nation for the class of 2026 according to 247Sports, Rucker tallied 174 carries for 1,135 yards and 11 touchdowns in his junior season. He also had 17 receptions for 281 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Allatoona coach Brad Smith said he believes Rucker’s versatility will be an asset in his fit with Georgia Tech.
“We feel like Tech sees him the same way as we do in the sense that we can line him up in the backfield and also line him up in the slot and other places just to make it look different visually for defenses,” Smith said. “I think, at Tech, they see that he’s a dynamic player just as we do, and I think they’ve been impressed by his ability to catch the ball as well as run it, so I think that fit is going to be great.”
Rucker said Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech’s current starting running back, is someone who has given him guidance.
“Jamal took me under his wing during my whole trip to Tech and taught me things, not just as a football player, but things I would need to know as a businessman, entrepreneur and just as a person,” Rucker said. “He gave me his experience and key factors that helped him during the process as well. My whole experience visiting Tech was a 10 out of 10.”
Smith said Rucker’s attitude and work ethic made him the Division I commit he is today.
“He’s the hardest worker and the most talented, and you don’t see that often,” Smith said. “You know, he needed to get bigger this offseason, so he put on 20 pounds to go from 175 to 195. He’s been improving all offseason at watching film and critiquing himself, he’s always a selfless teammate who cares more about the team than himself and he always practices as hard as he plays in games. He wants to win more than he wants his own success, and that’s not something you see a lot in today’s world.”
Rucker said he has lofty expectations for his senior season at Allatoona.
“I want to have over 1,000 rushing yards again, as well as 1,000 receiving yards,” he said. “I know some people might say it’s impossible, but everything is possible with the right work ethic and mentality. I really just want to be able to help the team in any way possible.”
Rucker said what he envisions for the future is even bigger.
“In the next five to 10 years, I see myself playing in the NFL,” Rucker said. “I hope to have a multi-million-dollar contract with my family and kids coming to watch me play every week.”
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