100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 12 Kirk Tucker

With just a dozen days until the return of football, we turn to a fourth-year special teams contributor in Kirk Tucker who will be in the mix for reps on defense.

How he got to OSU

Tucker was a three-star prospect out of Tucker, Georgia. He was on Oklahoma State’s radar but committed to Stanford early in the process. Once Glenn Spencer and Co. got word that he would re-open his recruiting they jumped on him. He held 22 offers from the likes of Ohio State, Arkansas, North Carolina and Louisville.

What he’s done in Stillwater

Tucker earned immediate playing in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2014. He’s been a leader on a kick-coverage team that led the Big 12 allowing just 18.3 yards per kickoff return. He’s seen spot duty in a backup role at Star linebacker as well.

Role in 2017

Tucker figures to continue his production on kick coverage but also appears to be in the three-deep at Star linebacker. Kenneth Edison-McGruder and Calvin Bundage are 1A and 1B according to Glenn Spencer so I guess that actually lands Tucker in the two-deep rotation. Expect him to see significant reps on defense.

Noteworthy stats and highlights

Against Texas Tech last year Tucker’s five tackles were a career high. He also tallied a half tackle for loss and a QB hurry on Patrick Mahomes.

Against UTSA in 2015, a game that was never really in question, the true sophomore got some burn late on defense and paid it off with a forced fumble that turned into six points. On the replay you’ll see Tucker come from the left side of your screen and pop the ball loose.