Tucker balances line, wide receiver roles

HUNTLEY — Huntley senior Grant Tucker plays both a line position and tight end. He answered questions from My Huntley News prior to the Red Raiders’ senior night game against Burlington Central Oct. 25.

Describe your youth football career, how has the Class of 2025 stayed together.

Tucker: “Most of us started in Huntley youth football and a very few of us played for other towns simultaneously. I played for the
Gilbert Grizzles for a couple of years and then switched to flag football for the Huntley Park District until I reached high school. We have all come in contact with each other throughout the years so when we reached high school we were already close.

Describe your youth football experience.

Tucker: “I did not have a very good football experience in my youth years. It did not prepare me for high school ball. So it took a while to adjust to tackle football again. Throughout my youth years, my father was my biggest mentor, he kept me involved in the sport and that is where I got my love for football.”

Who is your favorite NFL or NCAA football team or player you admire?

Tucker: “My favorite NFL team is the Chicago Bears and my favorite college team is the Michigan Wolverines. I admire Aiden Hutchinson because I have been a massive Michigan fan all my life and grew up watching him.”

Describe the challenge of playing tight end.

Tucker: “The most difficult part of being a tight end is having to be both a lineman and a receiver. It is hard to be a smaller version of a lineman and go against bigger defensive linemen. As for the receiver part of it, it is odd for me to receive the ball sometimes and there was a learning curve to it. My role in the offense is to be an extra lineman most of the time and I am usually the lead blocker for most of the plays. I feel like I am a crucial part of the offense and I love the responsibility.”

Are there any interests outside of football you pursue?

Tucker: “Outside of football I throw discus and shotput. I also lift weights constantly.”

What will you miss most about Huntley football, hopes to play in college?

Tucker: “I will miss team dinners the most. This year they have be so much fun and I love being around my teammates. I want to pursue track and field in college.”