Henry Ruggs III is presented with his U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey (Photo: Army All-American Bowl)
Henry Ruggs III has gone from unknown to U.S. Army All-American in a little more than a year.
Lee (Montgomery, Ala.) coach Tyrone Rogers finally convinced him to try football as a junior, and he caught 44 passes for 1,010 yards and 10 touchdowns. By last spring, he had an invitation to the Army Bowl after just one season of football.
And Thursday, he received his honorary jersey for the Jan. 7 showcase when the Selection Tour presented by American Family Insurance came to high school.
“I never thought I’d be here,” Ruggs said. “Never did.”
A 6-foot speedster, Ruggs is one of 14 selections from Alabama invited to play in the Army Bowl.
“It’s an honor just to know that all of my hard work and dedication over the past year is paying off and I’m being recognized for what I’m doing,” Ruggs said.
Henry Ruggs III presents his Dream Champion award to parents Nataki and Henry Ruggs II (Photo: Army All-American Bowl)
Ruggs went from no stars to four stars basically overnight after his play last season. He has 19 reported offers and a top five of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Penn State. Many expect him to remain in-state with the Tide.
“It’s been real crazy because basically I went from being a basketball star, someone who dunks all the time, to being a superstar athlete,” Ruggs said. “It’s different for me because more people know me and things of that nature. It’s an honor though to see that I’m being recognized for everything I’m doing.”
Explosive, agile and can jump over the goal post, the only knock on Ruggs has been his slim stature. Although listed at 175 pounds, he actually played at 160 pounds his junior season. Emphasizing work in the weight room and his nutrition, Ruggs is up to 170 pounds and feels faster than he’s ever been, even though he’s run a 4.3 40-yard dash multiple times.
That showed in his stats as a senior with 20 touchdowns on 102 touches in nine games, according to AL.com. The numbers: 38 catches for 639 yards receiving and nine TDs; 36 carries for 446 yards and seven TDs; seven kickoff returns for 352 yards and a score. He also played quarterback late in the season and threw for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
Contributing: Montgomery Advertiser