ONTARIO — Everything is bigger in Texas, including AT&T Stadium; and Ontario senior Nick Rupp got an insider’s view of the Dallas Cowboys’ home while playing in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl on Dec. 14.
He was one of seven Ohioans on the East roster, coached by former Cowboys safety George Teague and assisted by such former NFL notables as Barry Foster and Tony Banks.
“The place was just huge. It was enormous,” Rupp said of the state-of-the-art 80,000-seat complex that includes a massive high definition video screen that stretches from 20 yard line to 20 yard line. “We had a normal high school crowd there and it was still so loud. I could’t imagine playing in there on a Sunday with 80,000 people there.”
The road to Dallas and the senior showcase game began last summer for Rupp. He participated in a regional combine in Cincinnati and, based on his performance there, was invited to a second combine in Canton. He impressed scouts enough there to earn a spot on the 52-man East roster. The team featured players from 16 states.
“It was a great opportunity to compete against guys who were going to Division I college programs,” Rupp said. “Everyone on the coaching staff was an NFL veteran. My defensive line coach (Michael Myers) played college football at Alabama and played in the NFL with the Cowboys.
“I learned a lot from being around them in just a couple of days of practice.”
The team had practices on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 and played the West on Dec. 14. The West scored on a late touchdown catch by Oklahoma State recruit Jalen McCleskey for a 7-6 win.
“I had a sack and a tackle for loss in the game,” Rupp said. “It was really exciting to play in that atmosphere.”
Ontario coach Scott Kreger wasn’t surprised to find out Rupp had made an impact on a national stage.
“Nick is a perfect example of what happens if you buy into the weight program,” Kreger said. “He has grown tremendously during the past four years. He was voted one of our captains this year.”
The 6-foot, 265-pound Rupp, who moonlighted as Ontario’s punter, was a Division IV All-Ohio special mention selection. He helped the Warriors to a 6-4 record, including an upset of Tiffin Columbian in the regular season finale.
“I want to play in college, but I haven’t made any decisions yet,” Rupp said. “There were more than 530 scouts from Division I to Division III at the game. Playing in front of them was a great opportunity.”
Kreger agreed.
“You don’t often get the chance to be seen by that many scouts all at once,” Kreger said. “It was great exposure for him. We’ll see what comes out of it.”
“It was a great opportunity to compete against guys who were going to Division I college programs,” Nick Rupp said. “Everyone on the coaching staff was an NFL veteran.
