Kaimon Rucker had a little fun when announcing his plans for the 2024 season on social media: it started off with him declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.

“There’s been a lot of prayers, a lot of things that’s been happening behind the scenes for this to happen, but I had to make the decision [that was] best for not only myself, but for my family and those who loved and impacted me,” he said.

Turns out, he was pulling everyone’s leg.

“Actually, you know what? I kinda lied,” he continued. “College football, they ain’t ready for ‘The Butcher’ to leave yet, so I’mma come back for 1 more year. I’m just messing with y’all.”

All kidding aside, Rucker’s decision to return in 2024 is a major win for the Tar Heels’ LB corps. An immediate contributor as a true freshman in 2020, he has made 144 tackles, 29.5 TFLs, and 16.0 sacks. In 2023, he posted career highs in tackles (56), TFLs (14.0), and sacks (8.5) on his way to 2nd-team All-ACC honors.

With his return for 2024 sealed, “The Butcher” will look to move up the 2025 draft boards as one of the top LBs in the country.