BELTON, Texas- With the 2021 season fast approaching, the UMHB football team released its team captains on Friday afternoon.
Representing the offense is quarterback Kyle King and tight end Gary Ruckman, both experienced leaders who played key roles during the Cru’s 5-0 mark during the spring.
On defense, seniors Mikkah Hackett and Jefferson Fritz will serve as captains.
King took over as the starting quarterback midway through the spring, and led the Cru to victories over ETBU, Louisiana College and Hardin-Simmons. He went 33-for-61 passing with 12 total touchdowns. On the ground, he had 181 rushing yards, and threw for 613 more through the air. His selection as team captain likely means he enters fall camp as the leading candidate to start under center.
Also notable is the fact that King, a junior, is the only one of the four team captains who is not a senior.
Ruckman, the older brother of freshman offensive lineman Ethan Ruckman, enters his sixth season at UMHB. His 6’4, 250 lb frame makes for a good threat in the passing game, and he also assists as a blocker in the Cru’s running game. He tallied four receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns during the five-game spring schedule.
Hackett and Fritz headlined the stingy UMHB defense during the spring, as the Cru allowed the fewest rushing yards per game of any defense in the ASC.
Hackett, at linebacker, led the team in total tackles with 46 during the spring, and also had 7.0 tackles for loss.
Fritz, a hard-hitting safety who doubles as a punter, is a playmaker all over the field. He had 28 total tackles in the spring, 16 of them solo, 3.5 tackles for loss and a team-best three interceptions.
The Cru open the season in Belton on September 4 with a non-conference matchup against Simpson College.
