Nolan Rucci is a very goal-oriented young man. He sets goals, plans, executes and follows through on the process before he achieves them.

Right now, Rucci is focused on one very difficult but attainable goal - becoming a professional football player.

"Focusing on that one thing is important," said Rucci. "Getting better at football is another goal. As a rookie, it's almost like being a freshman in college; you're the low man on the totem pole. I've been enjoying the process of getting better. Eventually, that leads to success on the field and ultimately making the team.

"You might show up one day and your locker is cleaned out," continued Rucci. "That's the NFL. You've got to give 100% every day, whether that's on the field or in the film room. I'm trying to get better at the things I need to get better at."

Rucci, a 2021 graduate of Warwick High School and a 2025 graduate of Penn State, is an undrafted free agent who is attempting to make the Indianapolis Colts' roster as an offensive lineman (OL). Since May, Rucci has been put through all the paces at the Colts' off-season workouts, including rookie camp, organized team activities and mini camp, as well as the upcoming preseason training camp from the end of July to early September.

Indianapolis will open its 2026 season on Sunday, Sept. 13, at home against the Baltimore Ravens.

"I'm very thankful to end up here in Indy," said Rucci. "It's a great atmosphere and a great place to learn to compete at the next level. The vets and coaches have been great resources. At the end of the day, you're playing football, but the stakes are higher. It's the same game I've been playing since high school, but it's the big show."

Currently, the Colts have 15 offensive linemen in camp, and they plan to keep anywhere from 10 to 12 OLs to populate their 53-man opening day roster and their practice squad. Rucci's odds of making the team may simply be a matter of perception.

"That's definitely a way to look at it," said Rucci. "There's been competition in the room, but the vets have been great. I'm very thankful for the guys in the room. They've been very helpful."

Following a successful career at Penn State, Rucci figured to have an outside chance of being selected in April's NFL draft. While that did not happen, he did learn of Indianapolis' interest in him during the staging of the draft.

"It was definitely somewhat disappointing," said Rucci. "I knew it could be a day two or day three thing. After the fourth round, I got a call from my agent, and he said, 'The Colts want to sign you after the draft.' It took a little bit off my shoulders. I was very excited to get the call."

After transferring from Wisconsin following his sophomore season, Rucci was part of the Nittany Lions' offensive line rotation as a tackle during his junior and senior campaigns. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors after his senior year.

In December, Rucci graduated from Penn State with a degree in geography. Overall, it was an experience - both on and off the field - which has prepared him well for the current challenge he is facing.

"Obviously, it was not a straightforward journey for me," said Rucci. "Going to Penn State was one of the best decisions I've made in my career. It helped me be the player I am today. I probably wouldn't be here without it.

"Growing up in Lititz, the NFL felt like a crazy, far-off thing," added Rucci. "Then you're playing in college and you realize what an awesome opportunity it is, so you try to take advantage of every single day. My dad (Todd) and brother (Hayden) have been great resources. Football to me is a path to greater things. I'm super thankful."

Despite the fact that he does have options, Rucci has yet to formulate a Plan B.

"I'm just trying to keep my feet on the ground," said Rucci. "Like, 'What's the plan for the next 24 hours?' Making the team is a goal, and so is making sure I'm getting my body right for the next practice.

"I didn't end up here because I'm crazy talented," concluded Rucci. "I think a lot of it is putting your head down, grinding and working hard every day. It's not like an impossible process to get here. It was a team effort to get where I'm at."