Cincinnati Bearcats Football Season in Review: Tre Tucker

The Numbers

• 7 receptions
• 92 yards
• 8 carries
• 93 yards
• 23 kickoff returns
• 23.1 yards per kickoff return

Tre Tucker can do a lot of things. He was recruited as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bearcats’ 2019 class, but he can also run the ball out of the backfield and serve as a returner on special teams. During his freshman season, he got to put all those skills on display, joining Ryan Montgomery as a freshman who found ways to contribute despite few chances with the first-team offense.

While Montgomery was tasked with returning punts, Tucker took on the role of kickoff return specialist. Of the 27 kickoffs returned by the Bearcats, Tucker handled 23 of them. He amassed 532 kickoff return yards and averaged 23.1 yards per try, including a season-long return of 43 yards against USF.

As a pass-catcher, Tucker brought in seven passes for 92 yards in 2019. That isn’t a spectacular showing, but it wasn’t terrible considering it was his first season. In addition to his work as a receiver, Tucker also ran the ball a few times, ultimately finishing with 93 yards on only eight carries, which equates to 11.6 yards per attempt.

The Best of the Best

Sept. 28, 2019 at Marshall

Tucker caught a 56-yard pass and picked up 32 yards with his one kickoff return opportunity.

Oct. 12, 2019 at Houston

Tucker had 85 all-purpose yards, including 71 on kickoff returns alone. He also returned a punt for the first and only time of the season.

Nov. 16, 2019 at USF

Powered by a season-long 43-yard kickoff return, Tucker delivered a personal best of 96 return yards.

For Next Year

UC has a relatively deep wide receiving corps for next season and the level of experience on the group runs the gamut. Tucker gained experience in 2019 (14 games, one start) and he should be in a position to earn a promotion and get more involved in the offense. His versatility and ability to make plays in the passing and running game could bring a dynamic element to the Bearcats’ approach. Just how much work the Bearcats plan to give Tucker will determine if he also retains control of kickoff return responsibilities. No matter which direction things go, Tucker has the skills to succeed.

Editor’s note: The original version of this article featured a picture of Myjai Sanders instead of Tucker. Both players wore No. 21 for the Bearcats last season and the original photo was mislabeled in our database. We apologize for the error.