In a school that is known for its historically great running backs, Sean Tucker was one of the most special halfbacks Syracuse has ever seen. Tucker was an all-American and broke countless records for the Orange. Yet, he went undrafted after being flagged with a congenital heart defect at the NFL combine. Tucker wasn’t cleared to play football until just days before training camp. The Buccaneers took the risk and believed in the Maryland native’s abilities. Tucker has proven himself through the first couple of preseason games.
Last night against the New York Jets, Tucker got seven rushing attempts and went for 37 yards. In addition, he caught three passes for eighteen yards. In the first preseason game, Tucker ran for a 12-yard touchdown before it was taken back by a holding call.
After wearing the number 34 in college, Tucker has honored the Syracuse legacy at the next level, wearing 44. Whether or not he would wear the iconic number in college was a conversation for years. But now he finally does have it on his back. Tucker also has continued his post-game tweets, and changed his signature hashtag from #PL34SED to #PL44SED.
Tucker has an opportunity to get a ton of action this year if he makes the team even though he was undrafted. The Buccaneers have one of the thinnest running back rooms in all of the NFL. Tucker has one more preseason game to try and prove himself to second-year head coach Todd Bowles.
Right now Tucker is 4th on the depth chart but with how fluid the position can be at the next level, it is within possibilities for Tucker to potentially start at some time this season. Tucker is the first Syracuse RB to make it to the NFL since Delone Carter in 2011. Carter only got three starts over three seasons but of course, there’s no shortage of SU success in the NFL.
