Get To Know Your Orange Man: #45, DT Kenneth Ruff

Name: Kenneth Ruff

Position: Defensive Tackle

Year: Junior

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 293

Hometown: Lauderhill, Fla.

High School: Dillard

2017 Stats: In his first season at defensive tackle after coming in as a linebacker, Ruff played in 12 games, tallying 10 tackles, 0.5 TFL, and a recovered fumble.

2018 Projections: With athletic freak Chris Slayton entering his final season for the Syracuse Orange, Ruff will be stuck behind him on the depth chart, likely rotating in at defensive tackle in a manner similar to last season.

How’d He Get Here: He was committed to Virginia for a while, but flipped after taking an official visit to SU and enrolled early.

What’d Recruiting Sites Say: Three stars everywhere.

Money Quote: In spring practice of 2017, Ruff had started his transition into a 3-technique after beefing up to 280 pounds. Strength coach Sean Edinger told Syracuse.com:

“It looks like he’s supposed to run into s--- for a living,” strength coach Sean Edinger said earlier this offseason. “I don’t want him running into me.”

Twitter feed: @45KR_Jr

Tweets of Wonder: Killer slow-motion video of Ruff pushing bursting out the gates on a sprint.

What movie would Dino recommend for him?: Gotta go with “Life is Ruff.” Kyle Massey rescues a dog named Tyco who RUFFS UP the competition to win a dog show. No, these jokes are never going to end.

Interesting Nugget O’Interest: Ruff came into Syracuse as an inside linebacker, moving to tight end for a while during offseason practices before eventually finding his permanent home on the defensive line.

Let’s Get a Good Look Atcha: Here is Ruff talking about his journey between positions last offseason.