18 and aggressive: Freshman DB Derrick Tucker turning heads in the #TAMU defense. Age is irrelevant. #GigEmhttps://t.co/JXRwytRVqX pic.twitter.com/8vwsB02QT6
— Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) November 22, 2017
4. Safety Derrick Tucker
Armani Watts was more of a free safety, and Tucker is more of a strong safety, but losing Watts means losing playmaking and leadership at the back of the Aggie defense. Fifth-year senior Donovan Wilson returning is a huge win for the defense, but Tucker might end up being the better player this year.
Tucker flashed his brilliance against Ole Miss last season. He led the way with 14 tackles, two passes defended, a forced fumble and an interception he returned for a touchdown. He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week for the game.
Tucker received minimal playing time until he recovered from off-season knee surgery, but eventually earned the starting safety spot in place of Wilson who was lost in the season opener against UCLA. The playing time he received last season is invaluable in his development. The former four-star recruit from Manvel should use that experience to lock up a starting spot and flourish in Elko’s (mostly) 4-2-5 scheme.