Interview: 11-Offer 3-Star 2022 CB/WR Jalil Tucker Updates Offseason Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Jalil Tucker took a big step forward during the 2019 season proving he is one of California’s top all-around athletes in the 2022 recruiting class. A lock as a top recruit at corner, as injuries hit St. Augustine’s (San Diego) roster, Tucker got work in on offense at receiver further showcasing his skillset. When his sophomore season ended, he had compiled 25 tackles, 21 solo, two tackles for a loss, a sack, forced two fumbles, knocked away eight passes, and picked off four. Going the other way, the 6-0, 175-pound, target hauled in 17 passes for 440 yards with five trips into the end zone.
Tucker’s abilities and blazing speed, running a reported 4.38 in the 40-yard dash with a personal best 10.71 in the 100 meters, 11 Division I programs have dropped offers. Covering his growing talents and expanding recruiting opportunities, Tucker and I sat down for an exclusive RNG interview.
Interview
Jalil, you took on such a big role with the Saints throughout the 2019 season. Week to week, how did you prepare for a given game for action on both sides of the ball?
“Practice and we watched a lot of film. There was a lot of studying to know what we were coming against. On Fridays, I’d go out and match up against their best guy. I was ready for that challenge.”
What were some of the coverages you were running at corner during the season?
“We ran a lot of Cover 2 and 3, Cover 1 – man, that is my favorite. I love being on an island with somebody.”
How did your game improve as a defender in 2019?
“Coming in, I did not have the best footwork and technique. At practice, my coaches worked with me. I got better at all that. I had good speed, my mindset was there, but I had to work on my technique.”
Flipping the field, you were giving it to defensive backs going the other way. How did that part of your game go last season?
“I was in my coach’s ear a lot early in the season; I wanted to play receiver. We did it this year because we had some injuries. I was able to step up and get a starting spot.”
How did playing both ways help improve your overall understanding of the game? How did that opportunity help make you a better player?
“It was better for me that I did that. I could see things from both sides. At corner, I was able to see what a receiver was trying to do to me and I could see it going the other way as a receiver too.”
What are you focusing on with your workouts this spring?
“Last year at corner, I was trying to bait the quarterback, but it did not always work. I have to focus on better technique. At receiver, I am focused on my route running. I was using my speed last year, but I was not breaking down. At the next level that will not be the best for me going up against better competition.”
Are you playing 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes. I am playing with ProWay.”
Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“UA (Arizona), UDUB (Washington), Coach Carter told me Tennessee is showing interest, and I have received follows from the Notre Dame coaches but I have not talked to them yet.”
How many offers do you have so far?
“I think I have 11.”
Tucker’s Offer Sheet (11): Arizona State, BYU, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, Oregon State, San Diego State, USC, Utah, Utah State, and Washington State
Which programs were the last two to offer?
“Utah State and Miami.”
This offseason, are you planning on taking any unofficial visits?
“We are planning trips to ASU (Arizona State), UA, and maybe Oregon.”
Are you competing in any other varsity sports this year?
“Yes. Track.”
Which events?
“Mainly the 100 and 4×1. I ran some in the 200 and also in the 4×4.”
What is your best time in the 100?
“10.71.”
Wow. That is elite. Jalil, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workout this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Jalil Tucker in action (2019)
Photo credit: Autumn Lynn; Jalil Tucker TD (2020) with ProWay