Trojan Drean Rucker Tragedy

Tragedy struck the Trojan family on Monday as incoming freshman Drean Rucker apparently drown in Huntington Beach. The Orange County Register is reporting that lifeguards are currently looking for Rucker’s body near Brookhurst Street. Rucker played football at Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley and had a scholarship to play linebacker at USC.

Rucker is the third drowning victim in Huntington Beach in the last month. Lifeguards say the warmer water temperatures allow people to stay in the water later in the day, after the lifeguards are off duty.

The Register and other news sources did not initially name Rucker but said it was a linebacker from Canyon Springs who had a scholarship to USC. The Trojans only recruited one player from Canyon Springs this year, that player being Rucker.

Rivals.com listed Drean Rucker as a 4-star inside linebacker and one of the top-15 linebackers in the nation as well as one of the best players in California. He had numerous awards and made several All-American lists in 2002 as a senior at Canyon Springs.

By all accounts Drean was a better person that he was a football player. He was smart, had his life in order and was making the big step to college with a great life ahead of him. He will be remembered and missed by the entire Trojan family. Our condolences go out to all of Drean’s family and friends.

You can pay a tribute to Drean in the Trojan Player Appreciation Forum.