Why Catholic lineman Bryn Tucker chose Clemson over Tennessee and Virginia Tech

Catholic lineman Bryn Tucker, a four-star prospect, has committed to Clemson.

Tucker said he spoke with Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Saturday and, "he accepted my commitment."

The 6-5, 305-pound offensive lineman chose the Tigers because "Clemson has everything you need.

"Education. Life skills. And football. You want to be a part of the best."

He is the eighth-best prospect in Tennessee for the class of 2020, according to the 247Sports Composite

Tucker unofficially visited Clemson four times and received an offer on Jan. 26 after his latest visit. Tucker originally released his list of top five schools in July, which included Auburn, Tennessee, Notre Dame, LSU and Virginia Tech.

According to Tucker's dad, Mike, Tucker had narrowed it down to Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Clemson as his finalists. 

As a family, they listed the pros and cons of attending each school. 

"For Clemson, there was more pros," Mike Tucker said. "There was hardly any cons." 

Asked if Clemson's national championship win over Alabama in January affected his decision, Tucker said, "It didn't. My visits there was what did it. The facilities are amazing along with the student-athlete housing and academic standards." 

He said he slid down the slide in Clemson's football facility, which he said took him back to his young days. 

"I believe everyone should slide down it," he said. He also added that the weight room is amazing and that the bowling alley was pretty cool. 

Tucker is the third Knoxville area football prospect to commit to Clemson in the last three years. Former Catholic receiver Amari Rodgers, son of former Vols quarterback Tee Martin, and former Oak Ridge receiver Tee Higgins will be juniors at Clemson in the fall.

Catholic's season starts Aug. 23 against Chuckey Doak. This is Catholic's first season in Division II. 

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