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College football at 49? North Dakota lineman has right stuff

Defensive lineman Ray Ruschel, gesturing at center, a 49-year-old college freshman at North Dakota State College of Science, works on rushing techniques during practice on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, in Wahpeton, N.D. Ruschel who spends his nights working as a mechanic at a local sugar beet factory, is seeking a business management degree at the junior college in hopes of becoming a supervisor at the plant. He plays a dozen snaps or more a game. (AP Photo/Dave Kolpack) Ray Ruschel, a 49-year-old freshman football player for the North Dakota State College of Science, takes his turn on the blocking sled on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, in Wahpeton, N.D. Ruschel had not played football since he was in high school in Pennsylvania. He plays defensive line for the Wildcats, mostly at nose guard. “He holds his own,” teammate Manny Garcia says. (AP Photo/Dave Kolpack) Ray Ruschel, a 49-year-old freshman football player for the North Dakota State College of Science, takes his turn on the blocking sled on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, in Wahpeton, N.D. Ruschel had not played football since he was in high school in Pennsylvania. The Army veteran is a night-shift mechanic at a local sugar beet factory. He is seeking a degree in business management after his most recent deployment with the National Guard. He hopes to become a supervisor at work. For now, he is holding his own with 19- and 20-year-old football players on a team with national title hopes.. (AP photo/Dave Kolpack)