'Who wore it best' at Michigan State: No. 29

Ever see a number on a Michigan State football jersey and think of all the great players to wear it? Me, too. In this daily series, I’ll give you my take on which Spartan football player was the best ever to wear each number. The criteria are simple: How did he perform at MSU? And what kind of impact did he have on the program?

No. 29 – Chris L. Rucker

Defensive back, 2007-10, Warren, Ohio

Résumé

2007: 15 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 24 total tackles, 1 interception

2008: 31 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 45 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions

2009: 37 solo tackles, 21 assisted tackles, 58 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception

2010: 39 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 64 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions

Total: 122 solo tackles, 69 assisted tackles, 191 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 6 interceptions              

Why Rucker?

This wasn’t an easy decision. It came down to Bill Simpson and Chris L. Rucker.

Simpson, an All-American defensive back in 1973, intercepted a team-high five passes for the No.2-ranked passing defense in the land. He was also the second-ranked punter in the Big Ten that season, averaging more than 39 yards per kick. Simpson had three touchdown-saving stops that season. He earned All-Big Ten honors twice.

He could’ve easily taken this spot.

Rucker got the nod for one reason – what he helped start at Michigan State.

Rucker, who came to MSU in 2007, the same year as current head coach Mark Dantonio, bought in, and the results were almost immediate. During Rucker’s four-year career in East Lansing, he finished with a 3-1 record against both Michigan and Notre Dame, the Spartans’ two biggest rivals.

MORE: Michigan State football - Who Wore It Best?

Rucker’s numbers are solid. He played in 42 career games, starting 34 at corner. He racked up 10.5 tackles for loss, picked off six passes and made 191 tackles. His 19 pass break-ups landed him in the Top 20 in program history.

In 2010, Rucker was a second-team All-Big Ten selection. It likely would have been a first-team nod if not for off-the-field troubles that caused him to miss the Illinois and Northwestern games that season. Rucker was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated the day after a 34-17 win over Michigan in Ann Arbor. That charge was later dropped to reckless driving, a misdemeanor. However, he was already on probation for a fight that occurred on campus in 2009. He served eight days in jail and was suspended by Dantonio for violating team rules.

He returned for the final four regular-season games and helped lead the Spartans to an 11-2 record and berth in the Capital One Bowl.

Rucker was selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He started four games in his lone NFL season, compiling 36 tackles and knocking down two passes. He was cut the following season. Rucker also played for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League.

Who else wore No. 29?

Paul Beaubiean (G, 1936), Louis Brand (QB, 1942), Duron Bryan (CB/S, 1999-01), Richard Bryce (LB/S, 2001-02), Greg Cooper (S/CB, 2003-06), Sherman Coryell (End, 1916-19), Cecil Fogg (End, 1928-30), George Gargett (T, 1938-39), Thomas Hauck (DB, 1986), Jerald Jones (DB, 1964-66), Lemar Marshall (DB, 1995-98), Mark Meyers (S, 2013-15), David Radelet (SE/DB, 1975-77), William Simpson (DB/P, 1971-73), Charles Soltys (FB, 1982-83), Carl Williams (SS, 1979-82), Duane Young (OL/FB/TE, 1987-90)

Contact Cody Tucker at (517) 377-1070 or cjtucker@lsj.com and follow him on Twitter @CodyTucker_LSJ.

MORE ON CHRIS L RUCKER:
* VIDEO: Chris D Rucker highlights
* Building a program: Top 20 MSU games of Dantonio era