KaimonRucker

Kaimon Rucker is known for his stylish wardrobe off the field. But it's something simple – a bracelet on his left wrist that says "Keep choppin'" – that he wants to best known for. The bracelet, made by teammate Jahvaree Ritzie, has a special meaning to Rucker. It’s something his father used to say to him repeatedly as a kid, becoming something of a personal mantra, Rucker said. “Life is full of ups and downs and you never know what you’ll get hit with,” Rucker said. “Regardless of what it is, whether it’s good, bad or ugly, you’ve got to keep choppin’. It reminds me of the resiliency that I have had to have throughout my life.” Rucker was named second-team All-ACC in 2023 after finishing with 61 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for losses and 12 quarterback hurries. Starting all 13 games, he was a handful at the “Jack” position, which he likens to a hybrid of linebacker and defensive end, using explosiveness to rush the passer and crash the pocket.