On Sunday, Little Rock Central athlete A.J. Tucker received a call from Arkansas tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. and will see the newly hired coach visiting his school on Friday.
Tucker, 6-2, 188, 4.52 seconds in the 40 yard dash, has scholarship offers from Southern Illinois, Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State but is hoping to see the Hogs do the same.
"That would be huge," Tucker said. "That would make me so happy. It would be a like a dream come true for me Get a scholarship and get a free education. That's where I want to go. It's close to home. It would be amazing."
Tucker, who's athletic ability is among the best in the state, was drawing interest from Arkansas, Ole Miss, Florida State, Florida and Oklahoma but a preseason injury hurt his cause to earn a major college scholarship.
He missed the first seven games on offense because of having a cast on one of his hands but still recorded 31 tackles at safety. Coach Scooter Register said he believes the injury cost Tucker some D-1 offer.
"He broke his thumb the week before the first game," Register said. "That really set him back. He really didn't get to utilize his ability and talent until really the seventh game of the season. We just had him on defense because he played with cast. That ought to tell a little bit about his resolve and courage to go out there and play."
In four games on offense, Tucker showed how productive he could be when he recorded 28 receptions for 516 yards and 2 touchdowns.
"He has a great speed, he's tall," Register said. "He runs well he runs great routes and he catches the ball extremely well . On defense he's back at safety and with his speed he reacts so well. He can play on that sides too."
Register, who said Tucker is fully qualified, is as equally as good off the field too.
"He just a super kid," Register said. "He's real quiet but he's not shy. He's a 'yes sir,' ' no sir' young man. He's always worked hard. He has good character. I've never heard anything bad about A.J. Tucker ."
Tucker stays away from trouble and is one others look up to.
"He doesn't get involved with some of the other stuff kids get involved with," Register said. "I think his peers really look up to him. I know they did in football."