by Andy Hilton, recruit757
Woodside QB/DB Donnell Lewis (Photo: Andy Hilton/recruit757)
Woodside High School consistently produces college ready athletes. This year was no different as the District Champion Wolverines had three seniors sign letters of intent on Wednesday afternoon. Kicker Chris Moller, defensive back Donnell Lewis and lineman Andy Ruckman locked in their college commitments.
Moller was part of a stellar class of kickers in the Peninsula District that included Eric Enderson of Phoebus (Delaware), John Griggs of Warwick (uncommitted). Chris kicked a record setting 13 field in his senior season, including two game winners that carried the Wolverines to an undefeated regular season. Moller committed to Morgan State after visiting the school in January.
Moller is one of five local players that committed to Morgan State. That’s a big score for the Division I FCS school from Baltimore.
An earlier commitment from the bunch was Donnell Lewis. Lewis was equally adept on both sides of the ball, but is likely to find himself at cornerback for Towson. At quarterback, Lewis threw for 760 yards with 49 completions on 88 attempts, with seven touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Lewis’ commitment was a special one on Wednesday. He was joined by his parents, including his father, who was overseas on duty with the U.S. Army while college offers were rolling in last spring and summer. Several members of the 53rd Movement Control Battalion, stationed at Fort Eustis were on hand to help the family celebrate Donnell’s signing.
Woodside Lineman Andy Ruckman (Photo: Andy Hilton/recruit757)
Andy Ruckman became the second brother in his family to commit to play college football and third to go off to college. For Ruckman, the commitment represented an arrival at a new pinnacle in his football career. Andy fell in love with Alderson-Broaddus on his visit and made his decision easily.
“The atmosphere there felt great,” Ruckman said. “The coach that recruited me believes in me and that’s something you don’t get in every coach. He’s a great coach and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
For Ruckman, the entire package was a good fit. He’s almost certain of playing time in his freshman year and he’ll have five years to play five seasons of football.
“A-B was my choice because they were consistent with wanting me and keeping in contact. Their coaches really know what they’re talking about. The way everything about the school is structured is great. I’m trying to major in Criminal Justice and they have a gold internship with the FBI available. That’s another plus.”
Interestingly, all three players are headed out of state to play football. Alderson-Broaddus takes Ruckman away to West Virginia while Lewis and Moller will be headed to the Baltimore area to play their college ball.
- Andy Hilton
