2025 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know J.P.McCaskey LB/TE Sam Ruggiero

Tagged under: District 3, News, Player Previews

Billy Splain | May 3, 2025

Sam Ruggiero
J.P McCaskey
Class Of 2026
positions Middle Linebacker, Tight End
Jersey #8
HT/WT 6’2 220
Twitter @SamRuggiero54

Coach says: “Sam is a two-year starter who’s done it all—tight end, H-back, tackle, linebacker, defensive end. He’s the kind of player every coach wants: tough, versatile, and, above all, coachable. You tell Sam what you need, and he gets it done without excuses—he’s a student of the game and makes sacrifices for the team.

Let’s get to know Sam:

Why do you play football?

I play football because I enjoy have a second group of guys I can call brothers, and there’s no better feeling then getting to go out on the field with them.

It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most? 

I love the crucial 3rd down plays, whether it’s defense or offense, and it’s even better when the band starts to play.

Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?

I have always liked the linebackers from the Panthers last Super Bowl team, (Davis, Keuchly and Thompson) but I love DJ Moore. Im a big Panthers fan.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:

I would have to say last year Vs Reading. I had made a big TFL early in the game, and Albright has a large stadium so the crowd was really loud.

What was last years season like for you?

A learning experience. Lots of downs, but a good mix of ups. It let me know what I need to do this season, and also what I can keep doing.

What are your goals for this coming season?

100+ Tackles, maintain a 3.5 GPA, and I want me and my teammates to show up alot when awards and All-Star come out.

Who is the best player you ever lined up against?

I think I’d have to say Fernando Marquez from Cedar Crest.

When the game is on the line, which college/professional coach would you like to call in the play? 

I love Dan Campbells coaching style. He always has some awesome and fun plays that seem to work.

What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?

I would love to visit Soldier Field, and App States stadium is awesome.

What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?

Go Panthers.

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?

The Alabama V Tennessee game a year or two back. Greatest college game ever.

What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?

I really like the blindside. It is always an interesting movie and the football parts are cool too. Especially when the coaches show up to practice.

If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?

Sammy, or let’s go Sam. They are pretty quiet though.

Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?

I would love to play a game in FSU. The band is always rocking.

Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?

Coach Mealy has really shown me football and given me tons of stuff to work with, even only being my coach since January.

Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:

I’d love to play baseball. My brother does, but I was encouraged to stick to football for now.

Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?

My Brother Chris, he’s always in our student section.

When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?

Pickleball or I’ll throw a baseball with my brother.

What is your favorite football memory to date?

Reading OT win sophomore year

What is your favorite play to run?

TE motion and TE run stuff

What scares you the most?

Concussions.

Music of choice:

Sade, Kendrick Lamar, maybe some Daft Punk.

What was your favorite gift as a little boy? Why?

I loved Star Wars legos and I still do.

What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?

Mission BBQ. Get the brisket or ribs.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

I’d have to say Chicago for Summer break, and Upstate NY for winter.

Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?

Lions game on Thanksgiving.

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