Interview: 3-Star 2021 CB Chance “The Corner” Tucker is Developing His Island
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 California high school football season turned into a breakout year for Class of 2021 cornerback Chance Tucker. The rising Crespi High School three-star recruit was in lock down mode on defense against the run and the pass amassing 58 tackles, 34 solo, with five tackles for a loss, three interceptions – one of them a pick-six, and knocked away 10 attempts. The speed and athleticism were put to use with the Celts offense snagging 13 passes for 176 yards with two touchdowns scored. The standout play on the field and in the classroom, carrying a 4.29 cumulative GPA, has brought forth four Division-I collegiate offers with heavy interest pouring in from Pac-12 programs.
In a return to the RNG Lab, Chance “The Corner” updates me on all things football with him.
Interview
Alright Chance “The Corner” (he laughs), you had an explosive season in 2019, especially on defense. What was working for you allowing for the highly productive season?
“For me, obviously, my speed helped me out and my physicality at the line pressing. I was mirroring receivers as they ran routes.”
What coverages were the Celts running in the secondary last year?
“We ran a lot of man to man, some Cover 3 and Cover 2.”
How did your game improve as a corner last season?
“As a corner, during my sophomore year I played a lot of safety, that was my main position. I transitioned to corner; I had to get used to being on an island holding it down. My breaks improved a lot. I was able to accelerate and flip my hips well.”
Time was spent on offense as well. How did that part of your game get better?
“I didn’t play as much offense this season, but I will next season. My route running, using my speed, and my breaks at the top of my routes got better.”
Did your role as receiver help you as defensive back?
“Being a receiver and a defensive back, you know what a receiver thinks. You know how they would try to get away from a corner. Playing receiver helped me a corner.”
Will you take on all the same roles in 2020?
“In 2020, being a senior leader, I am always trying to set goals and bring the team closer to bond; that is role I am taking on. On defense, I am playing corner and some free and some strong safety and on offense I’ll be at receiver.”
Which parts of your game have you been working on this spring on defense?
“This spring I have been working on being more physical at the line, being more of my hands-on DB, and being able to make the quarterback look to his second and third reads.”
Let’s talk about your speed. How fast are you?
“I do run track; I am a two-sport athlete. I ran the 100 this year. I ran a 10.97.”
Nice. Looking ahead, are there any college camps you may attend this summer?
“We are looking to go to a Stanford camp in June, a Cal camp, and the USC Rising Stars. I went to that camp (USC) last year receiving the outstanding DB award. I had planned on visiting Nevada and BYU for their Junior Days.”
Which colleges are showing interest before we head into camp season?
“Arizona, Oregon, Washington, UCLA, Nevada, Wyoming, Yale, Bucknell, Harvard, Washington, Eastern Washington, Cal, and Stanford.”
And which schools have offered?
“BYU, Colorado State, San Jose State, and UNLV.”
Before everything was shut down, did you take any visits?
“Earlier in the year, I went on a visit to San Diego State. I watched their game against Nevada. I went on the field for a UCLA game as well.”
There were visits planned to Nevada and BYU; are there any visits coming up separate from the camps you may take?
“I plan to visit Colorado and Colorado State, and I had planned on visiting Cal and Stanford. I will visit BYU, they were the first to offer me.”
My virus buster question: How are you keeping yourself entertained with the extra down time?
“At Crespi, we’ve had a rigorous online school course. I’m trying to stay balanced with school work, working out, staying in shape, and having some fun in my free time.”
Chance, it was fun going over all this ground today. Thank you and stay safe.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: MaxPreps/Crespi HS/Tucker family; No. 7 Chance Tucker