Robert Tucker eager to help USC offense in need of playmakers

South Carolina’s in search of playmakers after losing its top three receiving targets off last year’s team. Freshman tight end Robert Tucker believes he can fill that void.

Tucker, out of B.E.S.T. Academy in Atlanta, finished his senior season with 16 catches for 336 yards and four touchdowns, all team-highs, while also leading the team with 46 tackles despite playing in eight of 10 games.

While Tucker played on both sides of the ball in high school, he’s slated to begin his career at USC on offense.

“I want to come in and play. I’m going to stay focused. I’m looking forward to helping the team out in the passing game because they lost some big receiving threats. I want to make an impact there,” he said. “I’ve got strong hands. I’m a good blocker. I run good routes. I feel like I’m a threat to the defense.”

Tucker was recruited by wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon, who previously served as the wide receivers coach, assistant head coach and passing game coordinator at Georgia.

When McClendon joined Will Muschamp’s staff at USC and continued to recruit Tucker, it made his decision easy.

“He already had a previous relationship with Coach (Bryan) McClendon when he was at UGA,” Tucker’s high school coach Joshua Moore said. “They were recruiting him there, and he loved him there. It (was) all about relationships for him, coaches that he’s gotten to know, the staffs that he’s gotten to know.”

Tucker spent the spring in Atlanta working out in order to accomplish his goal of playing immediately, also training at a CrossFit gym.

Whether he’s able to earn immediate playing time, Moore said South Carolina is getting a player who will have a productive career.

“He turns into a monster out there on the field. He’s really versatile and really locked in on that field. Whatever he can do to help the team, that’s what he’s willing to do,” Moore said. “He’s a great all-around kid and a great all-around player.”

This story was originally published July 2, 2016 at 4:57 PM with the headline "Robert Tucker eager to help USC offense in need of playmakers."