Utah pulls Utes legacy out of Southern California, Interview with Tucker Scott

Mean, nasty, and has a bad attitude, that is the nicest summation of Tucker Scott on the gridiron even on a play going the other way. The 6’5”, 270 pound, offensive lineman may have 25 to 30 pounds to pack on before he starts routinely embarrassing college defensive linemen and linebackers, but make no mistake that is what will soon happen in Salt Lake City.

On March 30, Tucker verbally committed to Utah following in the footsteps of his father, Lance Scott. Lance played for Utah from 1991-1994 twice earning All-Western Athletic Conference honors before becoming a fifth round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 1995 NFL Draft. Dad played six seasons in the NFL lining up primarily at center for the Cardinals, New York Giants, and New England Patriots.

Knowing the background pedigree one can easily understand Tucker’s ability to dominate from a technical standpoint and why he comes to each individual snap party with a presence.

Tucker’s standout abilities on the football field, playing against top Southern California competition, have earned him early offers from BYU, Nevada, and Utah State. Notice that the San Clemente High School stud lineman primarily has offers from Utah area schools hoping the draw back to his father’s old stomping grounds will give each school an edge.

The schools showing Tucker interest paint a better picture of his talents. Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Nebraska, Oregon, San Diego State, USC, Washington, and Washington State are all showing interest but have seemingly realized how tough it will be to take this legacy away from the Utes program especially during a time when the Utah program is back on the rise!

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview Tucker sat down for a one-on-one interview going over the Tritons highly successful 2014 season, offseason workouts, and look ahead to his senior season in 2015.

 

Tucker, walk us through San Clemente’s 12-2 season in 2014 season.

“At the beginning of the year Coach (Jamie Ortiz) sat us down, along with the seniors, and started “Operation Redemption.” The idea was us trying to redeem ourselves from the last couple of years when we were not that great. Coach wanted to build the team up, we took that to heart, and the seniors wanted to go out strong.

“One day we went to a pool as a team. We talked about each other’s goals for the season, everyone spoke. It was a bonding experience. It was like a huge family kind of gathering.

“We started the season off strong, we had a lot of good athletes and it showed. After we lost to Trabuco Hills (Playoff Finals) we all went into the coaches’ office for a like an hour after the game. The seniors stood up and talked, we were all so close. I think that is why we went to the finals.”

You lost to Trabuco Hills 44-37 in the fourth round of the playoffs after beating the Mustangs 42-35 about a month earlier. How frustrating was that loss for the team?

“We went into Coach’s (Ortiz) office and he said “you guys had a hell of a season.” He was more happy than sad even though we lost. I think he was proud of how we came together as a team.”

Looking ahead, how does San Clemente look going into the 2015 season?

“Our team looks good. We have some positions to fill. We have a bunch of guys stepping up in the weight room, guys working on their own in camps. We have a lot of guys that got to suit up in the playoffs that are putting in the effort. It’s what we do off the field that will make us better.

“We have a lot of the underclassmen that we are looking at. We have a chance to be just as good this year as we were last year. We’ll have a junior starting QB (Jack Sears replacing Sam Darnold – USC), he’s good. He’s done well in the games. We’re looking forward to having a great season again next year.”

What do you guys need to do to replicate the same success in 2015 that you had in 2014?

“Honestly, if we work hard in the weight room, train hard, and perform well in the classroom we’ll be fine. Everyone is working really hard right now. If we have a good bonding experience, all the goals will come together and we can be as good as last year’s team.”

What are your strengths on the field as an offensive lineman?

“My footwork and having that motor to finish the play through to the whistle are two of my strengths. Every once in a while I’ll get flagged for playing too late. Coach has gotten mad at me but he’s happy that I have a motor and busting my butt through the whole play. He wants me to be smarter about hitting behind the play. I have to work on that. My other strengths are my physical strength, my pass set, and knowing where the defender is going to be before the play.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“My goals with the team are to win CIF and advance to state. One thing coach always tells us is “do not look that far into the future, improve each week and we’ll get there.” I want to improve on my run and pass technique, bust my butt every play, and impact the team in a positive way.”

Will you play a different position next year for the Tritons? Will they put you at fullback for a couple of plays here and there and let you wipe out 2-3 guys at a time, maybe get a carry or two, or will they put you on the defensive line some?

“My coach is talking to me about playing me some defense on short yardage plays or on pass plays so I can get in there and make plays. I’ll probably long snap next year.”

You have the size and move so well seems like you would be a dominating defensive end if they lined you up there. Do you like playing defensive end?

“I do like playing defensive end, I love playing that position. Its not my favorite position in football but my favorite defensive position.”

Looking back, grade your performance on the field during as a junior.

“I felt like I played good. I had an off game against Capistrano (Valley), but every week I felt like I was improving. The coaches were helping me throughout the season helping me get better. There is always room to improve but I feel like I played pretty well last year.”

What schools have extended offers to you?

“Utah, BYU, Nevada, and Utah State.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Nebraska, Oregon, San Diego State, USC, Washington, Washington State, and Oregon State are showing interest. I’m getting emails from Wyoming and a couple other schools.”

When you committed to Utah on March 30, who did you commit to on the Utes staff?

“My lead recruiter, Aaron Roderick (Co-Offensive Coordinator – Quarterbacks Coach).”

How did the commitment take place?

“I called Coach Roderick. At first I told him I told him I’m looking forward to becoming a Ute. He didn’t get it at first. I think he thought I was talking about coming up to visit again. Then I told him no coach I’m committing. He was really happy once he realized I was committing to play ball for Utah.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I felt relieved. I felt a ton of stress was taken off my shoulders. I still have my whole senior season to go play but I’m blessed that I have the opportunity to play in college. I’m looking forward to it.”

What influenced you to commit when you did?

“I went up there on a visit. The coaches were awesome. I met with a couple of players, some of the players hit me up later on Instagram. I felt like I was at home there. When I walked into the O-line meeting they all introduced themselves. It was a great experience. Coach (Jim) Harding (Co-Offensive Coordinator – Offensive Line Coach) was great. They are a huge family there, it was impressive.

“My dad went there but he did not push me to go to Utah. He wanted me to go where I wanted. I enjoyed meeting everyone, liked how they coach, it’s a great environment, and I had a great experience.”

Since you committed are other schools still staying in contact with you?

“I’m still getting a bunch of mail sent by Washington, ASU, Oregon State, Cal, and a couple of other schools still stay in touch.”

Like you said earlier, you still have your entire senior season to play with a lot of opportunities for other schools, even local schools, to offer. Would you say you are 100 percent committed to Utah?

“Yes I am 100 percent committed.”

Are you going to start recruiting other players to Utah?

“That’s my goal. I have a friend Cole Fotheringham (TE San Clemente) who has some of the same offers like Boise State. I’ve talked to him about Utah but I’m not pressuring him to Utah. Wherever he decides to go he’ll impact that team greatly. I have started joking around with my friends saying you should look into the school.”

Do you plan to early enroll at Utah?

“My goal right now is to try to enroll early. I’m seeing what classes I need to take. I’m on that track.”

Are you going to any one-day college camps this summer?

“I might go up to Utah to work with the coaches. I’m not sure right now.”

Did you go to any college camps last summer?

“I went to USC’s and Utah’s. I got a verbal offer then from Utah that was not set in stone. They said they were going to offer after camp. I also went to a Nike camp last year.”

Are you going to any one-day exposure camps this spring/summer?

“I’m signed up to go to a Rivals camp in LA in May.”

What are you doing in the offseason to prepare for your senior year?

“I train with Red Zone Elite. My dad and Coach (Pat) Harlow (USC, New England Patriots, and Oakland Raiders) train offensive and defensive linemen every Saturday. I’ve been lifting after school and on my own, just training hard.”

Softball question, who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad has had the biggest impact on me. Growing up I actually went to him telling him I wanted to play football. He never pressured me. He’s always helped me and taught me. That’s why I can play several positions. I’ve played all five positions on the offensive line because my dad has been able to help. It does get a little annoying at times but it’s good.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The whole family aspect of the game is my favorite part. They’re like brothers. I know they have my back and they know I have their backs. I like getting to go out there with my friends and playing. It’s the best part besides winning.”

 

Dominance at the high school level on the gridiron or being a college and NFL legacy does not guarantee success for the recruits at the next level. Watching Tucker play and listening to him talk about his commitment and passion for the game the underlying tone is he does not take these opportunities or gifts for granted, success is sure to come.

This time next year Tucker might be in Salt Lake City going through spring practices hoping to lay the foundation for playing time in the fall of 2016 with the Utes. Until then one thing San Clemente fans can count on is watching Tucker look for opportunities to showcase his advanced abilities against Southern Section and Sea View League teams throughout the 2015 season, not a great prospect for opposing defenders.

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: San Clemente HS; No. 53 Tucker Scott.