Maryland basketball star Cliff Tucker returns to football. For Terrapin fans, keep an eye on #88, he will not disappoint.
After four seasons on the Maryland basketball team, 6’6 senior guard Cliff Tucker officially traded-in his high-tops for football cleats. Much to the delight of QB Danny O’Brien, Cliff Tucker will be showcased as the Terrapins’ new deep threat playing wide receiver. Tucker, who hails from El Paso, Texas, is no stranger to football as he was a well known star amassing 939 receiving yards and 19 TDs during his senior year for Chapin High School. Several Big 12 schools courted Tucker for his football services, but he ultimately decided to stick to basketball and hone his hard court skills under legendary coach Gary Williams.
After a sub-par basketball career which disappointedly ended in the Terrapins failing to make the post-season, Tucker’s desire to play football resurfaced. From the moment he stepped on to the gridiron, it was clear the Maryland coaching staff was delighted to see the 6’6 frame boasting his strength, size, speed, and athleticism. 1st-year head coach Randy Edsall stated, “I’d be crazy as a coach not to have him come out and work with us. If he can come out and do it and be one of the better guys or be the best guy, then he can play.”
Tucker exhausted his four years of basketball eligibility, but per NCAA rules, he has one more year to play any another collegiate sport which allows him to participate with the football team this season. With the departure of WRs Torrey Smith and Adrian Cannon, Maryland is in desperate need to fill the WR void and Tucker may just be Edsall’s answer to his prayers.
