Three Star RB Keeping Things Open

Three-star running back Malcolm Ruff from the Gillman School in Baltimore, Md. does not mind carrying a load on his shoulders. He set the Maryland high school state record for most carries in one game when ran for 53 carries last season against State College High School from State College, Pa. near Penn State.

“Unfortunately, we lost the game in overtime when they scored a touchdown and we didn’t,” Ruff said. “I think I had over 200 yards for the game, but since we lost, that didn’t matter as much.”

The schools interested in Ruff number easily in the double digits, and he lists many Big East and ACC schools among his favorites right now. Ruff is considering the tutelage at the running back position as a big plus for the school he chooses, which currently include Syracuse, Boston College, Virginia, Wake Forest, LSU, Iowa, Penn State, and Stanford.

He has unofficially visited Syracuse, Virginia, and Duke and plans on setting up official visits after he narrows down his list. He noted during his visit to Syracuse how he was impressed with the Carrier Dome, the campus, and how that program focuses on the running game.

“I really liked Syracuse because they have such an excellent tradition at running back,” Ruff said. “Their system promotes the advancement of a big, banging type of a runner and that’s exactly what I am.”

Ruff has excellent size at 6-foot-1, 218 pounds to fit the big, banging-back mold. He can also run a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and is able to bench press almost 300 pounds while squatting 450.

He attended a summer camp at Virginia and enjoyed his experience there as well. He liked the atmosphere and the overall appearance of the program and the campus.

“I really enjoyed the camp at Virginia because it had a lot of action,” Ruff said. “There were a lot of activities and of course the coaches there were all top-notch.”

Ruff has offers from most of his favorites, but wants to wait and see which team fits him best.

“I want to concentrate on my senior season and perform to the best of my abilities,” Ruff said. “Hopefully, when I am ready to commit, an offer will be there from the school where I feel most comfortable.”