Robert Tucker excited for opportunity with Gamecocks

Tight end Robert Tucker out of B.E.S.T. Academy in Atlanta has signed with South Carolina. Tucker played linebacker and tight end in high school but is expected to play offense for the Gamecocks.

A strong relationship with USC head coach Will Muschamp and wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon helped South Carolina land Tucker.

“That’s a big reason why I committed,” Tucker said Wednesday. “It’s a new coaching staff and nobody knows who is going to play this year. The spots are open.”

Tucker’s coach, Joshua Moore, said Tucker has a chance to help South Carolina’s offense in multiple ways.

“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. “We’ll line him out and get a mismatch with the cornerbacks. He’s a mismatch in the slot for safeties and linebackers. And he’s also big in our run game when we put him on the line of scrimmage.”

Tucker committed to USC Jan. 21 after receiving a visit from Muschamp and McClendon. He also had offers from Indiana, Iowa State, Louisville, Memphis and others.

He is rated as a three-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite rankings.

“I’m very excited to go play for Coach Muschamp,” Tucker said. “They said they are going to move me all over… slot, H-Back, and I’ll have my hand in the dirt, too.”

As a senior, Tucker led his team with 16 catches for 336 and four touchdowns in eight games. He also led B.E.S.T Academy in tackles with 46.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 1:32 PM with the headline "Robert Tucker excited for opportunity with Gamecocks."