Donte Rumph (#83), a modern day Rudy, is finally academically eligible to play for the Wildcats.
Donte Rumph had a burning desire to play for the University of Kentucky from day one. The 6’3 265 pound All-State tackle from South Carolina first signed with Kentucky in 2008. Unfortunately, he failed to qualify academically. To improve his grades and hone his football skills, Rumph enrolled in the Christian military boarding school, Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA) in Virginia.
Come 2009, Rumph reapplied to Kentucky only to find out that his grades fell short once again. Though his spirits were down, Rumph returned to FUMA, studied harder and reapplied in 2010. Well, as the saying goes, three’s a charm. On his third attempt, Rumph was declared academically eligible to play for Joker Phillips and the Wildcats. The NCAA cleared Rumph who arrived in Lexington this past week only to be spotted (this is a rumor) running on Commonwealth Stadium field with his hands stretched as if he were soaring through the heavens.
Rumph, a strong addition to the team, is projected to add depth to Kentucky’s very thin defensive line. Though DC Steve Brown doesn’t expect Rumph to start, if his pursuit of Kentucky is any indication of his drive and motivation, Rumph will be a starter quicker than anticipated.
Congratulations to Rumph as he is an example of a person who followed his dream despite great adversity.
