Eric Schmidt hoping for an October return with Lance Rucker's foot injury
Aug. 24—GRAND FORKS — UND edge Lance Rucker has suffered a foot injury and the program hopes the All-American captain can return in October, Fighting Hawks head coach Eric Schmidt said Monday. Rucker, who suffered the injury in practice Friday morning during a routine drill, will have surgery Tuesday. "We're hoping somewhere in early to mid-October is what it looks like right now," Schmidt ...
UND's head coach Eric Schmidt expressed optimism about Lance Rucker potentially returning in October, following the All-American captain's foot injury. Rucker, who suffered the injury during a practice drill on Friday, will undergo surgery on Tuesday. The exact return date remains uncertain, contingent upon Rucker's healing progress.
This setback has been a significant blow to the team, as Rucker had been a team captain for two consecutive years, contributing 64 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in 2025. His leadership and energy are deeply valued by teammates, including UND quarterback Jerry Kaminski and linebacker Michael Devereaux. In his absence, UND will rely on Brody Thornton, a second-year player, and Erick Paye, both of whom are expected to step up and fill the void left by Rucker.
The team remains confident in their prospects, with Schmidt expressing excitement for Thornton's emergence and Paye's readiness to take on a more prominent role.
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