Matthew Tucker
                              S (ATH), 6-3, 190 LBS ESPN Grade = 77
                              Fr. Aurora, Colorado (Grandview HS)

via vmedia.rivals.com

Looks a leeetle bit like Cris Carter


Overview:
The first commitment among ASU's 2009 class, giving his verbal pledge to the Sun Devils on March 20, 2008.  Graduated high school early, enrolled at ASU in January and will compete in spring drills.  One of four midyear enrollees for the Sun Devils and he joins quarterback Brock Osweiler as the only true freshmen among ASU's 2009 class to enroll at ASU early. Played quarterback and in the defensive secondary for Grandview and will begin his Sun Devil career at safety.

Scouting Report:
Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash.  Has excellent size for the safety position (6'3, 190). Scouts - This guy is a long-legged, rangy player that is fluid and smooth for a player that is high cut. He plays as a safety/linebacker hybrid and is often lined up very close to the line of scrimmage. He also plays as an athlete/QB on offense and looks like a wide receiver in terms of movement skills. Is very good looking on the hoof. Defensively, Tucker changes directions well, shows good burst out of cuts and is capable of matching up with slot receivers as well as tight ends in man coverage. Times jumps well, fights for the ball while it's in the air and can come down with jump balls. Has very good hands. Shows good lateral mobility when flowing outside and can string runs out. Has active hands, shows above-average upper body strength and can slide off blockers. Takes sound pursuit angles, relentless and has very good range. Shows good lateral mobility when attacking the line of scrimmage and flashes the ability to get back into the play when bites on misdirection. Covers a lot of ground with long stride. Times blitzes well, shows adequate closing speed and flashes the ability to get to the quarterback coming off the edge. Wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler. In coverage, Tucker has all the skills you want in a high point safety, but he is undisciplined. He can run, but must play under control. Doesn't read keys all that well and takes too many false steps. Has the second gear to recover in most situations, but can be overaggressive, is vulnerable to play action and gets caught out of position too much. Flashes the ability to deliver the big hit, but does not always do so. Overall, Tucker is a good athlete that must continue to develop as a football player. Must hone and sharpen his game.

Accolades:
Regarded as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com Ranked as the No. 23 all-purpose athlete in the nation by Rivals.com and also regarded as the top all-purpose athlete in the state of Colorado and the state's No. 3 overall prospect by Rivals.com. Listed as the No. 44 defensive back in the nation by SuperPrep. Rated as the No. 6 defensive back and the No. 31 overall prospect among SuperPrep's Midlands 101 list, which includes athletes from 9 states.  Ranked as the No. 61 safety in the country by Scout.com. Earned All-Midlands Region honors by PrepStar. Ranked as the No. 69 ATH by ESPN.com and the No. 6 player in the sate of Colorado.

High School Career
Coached by John Schultz at Grandview High Schoool. Collected 80 total tackles as a junior in 2007, added 5 INTs, 9 pass breakups and 3 fumble recoveries.  Also scored 5 rushing TD and threw for 1 TD.

The Decision:
Chose ASU over Oregon State, Arkansas and Wisconsin.

The Verdict:
Tucker is immediately in the mix for either starting safety spot.  The kid is a fantastic athlete with great ball skills and great size. Will compete with fellow freshman Shane McCullen.