USF Cornerback De'Shawn Rucker Impresses at Pro Day

Rucker's standout performance has boosted his NFL Draft stock ahead of the 2026 draft.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:00am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a cornerback making a play on the ball, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors representing the team uniforms.Rucker's aggressive, competitive style of play is on full display in this cubist-inspired illustration.Knoxville Today

USF cornerback De'Shawn Rucker, a transfer from Tennessee, had a standout performance at his Pro Day, running a 4.38 40-yard dash, recording a 10-foot-8 broad jump and 37-inch vertical, and showcasing his physical, competitive style of play. Rucker, who had 100 tackles and 12 pass breakups in two seasons with the Bulls, is now drawing interest from several NFL teams as he looks to make the jump to the professional level.

Why it matters

Rucker's Pro Day showcase has significantly improved his NFL Draft outlook, as teams are taking notice of his athletic ability, versatility, and physical playing style. As an undersized cornerback, Rucker has had to prove himself at every level, and his performance has shown that he has the tools to succeed at the next level.

The details

At his Pro Day, Rucker ran a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash and posted impressive numbers in the broad jump (10-foot-8) and vertical jump (37 inches). These athletic feats, combined with his physicality and competitiveness on tape, have caught the attention of several NFL teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Atlanta Falcons, all of whom have met with Rucker recently.

  • Rucker transferred to USF from Tennessee in 2024.
  • Over the past two seasons at USF, Rucker recorded 100 tackles and 12 pass breakups.
  • Rucker recently participated in his Pro Day showcase, where he impressed with his athletic testing numbers.

The players

De'Shawn Rucker

A cornerback who transferred from Tennessee to USF, where he had 100 tackles and 12 pass breakups over the past two seasons. Rucker recently showcased his athleticism at his Pro Day, boosting his NFL Draft stock.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One of the NFL teams that has shown interest in Rucker, with the cornerback scheduled to have a local day workout with the organization.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not the tallest cornerback, but I play with no fear. I'm very aggressive when playing through the ball, when playing through the hands of a receiver. That's a very important skill of mine.”

— De'Shawn Rucker, USF Cornerback

“You're going to get a dog who works hard on a daily basis. I'm always ready and willing to prove myself on the field. I'm going to be a smart, versatile player.”

— De'Shawn Rucker, USF Cornerback

What’s next

Rucker is scheduled to have a local day workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he has also been in contact with the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Atlanta Falcons as he looks to improve his NFL Draft stock further.

The takeaway

Rucker's impressive Pro Day performance has significantly boosted his NFL Draft outlook, as teams are taking notice of his athleticism, physicality, and versatility. Despite his smaller stature, Rucker has proven he can compete at the highest level, and his ability to play both man and zone coverage makes him an attractive option for teams in need of a physical, playmaking cornerback.