Season in Review: Ethan Tucky

The Numbers

• 25 tackles
• 4.0 tackles for loss
• 2.0 sacks
• 2 passes defended
• 1 fumble recovery

Sometimes you need to return home to succeed. In a small way, that’s what Ethan Tucky did in 2018. After initially deciding to go north to play for the Boston College Eagles, Tucky returned to his home state of Ohio to play with the Cincinnati Bearcats. He had to wait during the 2017 season after transferring, but he got in on the action this past fall.

A native of Delaware, Ohio, Tucky played in all 13 games of the 2018 season as a reserve defensive end. Despite being further back on the depth chart and on a team that featured more than a few standout pass-rushers, Tucky still made quite an impact in his first season. He tallied 25 tackles, which matched starting corner back Tyrell Gilbert and collected most of those by himself, with 15 solo stops compared with 10 assisted.

Just being able to tackle isn’t the hallmark of a promising defensive end. You also need to be able to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. There’s no need to worry in that regard, because Tucky certainly affected offensive backfields when he played. He produced 4.0 tackles for loss, including 2.0 sacks. He also had two additional quarterback hits and even made things difficult for opposing quarterbacks when he wasn’t tackling them, as he broke up two passes.

The Best of the Best

Oct. 6 vs. Tulane

Every Bearcat played great in this game, including Tucky. He finished with three total tackles, including a sack, and even blocked a punt.

Nov. 23 vs. East Carolina

In another easy win for the Bearcats, Tucky had three tackles, including one for loss.

Dec. 31 vs. Virginia Tech

Tucky didn’t just make plays in blowouts. He had two stops, including a tackle for loss, in UC’s Military Bowl triumph.

For Next Year

There will be ample opportunity for an experienced defensive lineman like Tucky next season due to some extensive roster turnover up front. Considering he has already proven himself both in routs and closely contested matchups, he could get even better with more playing time. Of course, he still has to show that he can get the job done consistently as a starter. That will be the goal this summer and next fall.