Penn State football offensive lineman Nolan Rucci returned to the sideline inside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, nearly three weeks ago. After playing his first three years at Wisconsin, Rucci was using the visiting locker room and standing opposite his former team.

Rucci transferred to Penn State in January and inserted himself as a key piece in this year’s offensive line rotation. Through the first few games of the season, Anthony Donkoh took the majority of the snaps at right tackle after a heated battle through preseason camp.

After Donkoh exited the game against the Badgers with an injury, Rucci got extensive action against his former team.

“It felt a little bit like practice for the two and a past two and a half years going against those guys, so it was neat,” Rucci said on Wednesday. “I still have a lot of respect for the program and the guys there, but that was a fun one.”

Last season’s spring practice window helped Rucci in his transition to Penn State, and he said it also helped him become a better player. The transfer has been consistent when his number has been called this season, but he knows there’s still a lot to improve.

One of the biggest improvements Rucci has made so far is in the weight room. He arrived on campus at 298 pounds and has since bulked to 315. The team’s new cafeteria and chefs are a big part of Rucci’s gain, and he said it’s one of the best resources he added when he came to Penn State.

“Nutrition and the training staff here have been great,” Rucci said. “Having those things available has been awesome, and I’m going to make sure I keep taking advantage of it.”

Despite the fierce battle during preseason camp, Donkoh has been the starter for much of this season. Rucci believes his consistency and focus on “the little things,” are facets of his game he needs to improve to see more action on game day.

The competition during camp was one of the most important aspects of Rucci’s development and acclimation. Though he didn’t wind up as the starter, he knows he’s a better player because of it.

“The whole line was grinding, and it was really iron sharpens iron,” Rucci said. “We’ve always got to stay ready in case that number is called.”

Along with adapting to the football program, Rucci has had to adapt to a new campus, too. He said his major is in the geography department and he plans to graduate next December.

Entering the Lasch Building is daunting, but Rucci feels that experience made him better equipped for life at Penn State.

Both of Rucci’s parents attended Penn State and his dad played for the football team while his mom played field hockey. Rucci said his parents were excited for him to come to Penn State, and it’s a decision Rucci felt confident in.

“I think you have to embrace being comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Rucci said. “I think that’s also a testament to our culture as a team. Just stay cool in those situations, be comfortable, and come out back on top.”