Dont overlook DC end Tucker

Besides local stars like Arrelious Benn, Marvin Austin and Lamar Milstead, the nation's capital is has another top recruit in Washington (D.C.) St. John's defensive end Tony Tucker. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder is fielding lots of interest from some of the top schools in the country.

"I'm receiving mail from Boston College, Florida, Miami, Ohio State, Penn State, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Maryland among others. It's pretty much everyone across the East Coast," he said. "Right now, I'd say I'm favoring Boston College, Ohio State and Florida.

"I like Boston College and Ohio State because they both have been recruiting me since I was a sophomore and I like that they've been there with me. Florida has just started sending mail, but I've gotten a lot of handwritten stuff from them. Besides those things, it really seems like all three of the schools care about me and my family."

What is Tucker looking for out of a school?

"I really would like to have a good education that can prepare me for the next level," he said. "I also don't want to be looked at as just another player on their team. I want them to care about me and really get to know me. I'm planning to study computer programming or something like that in college."

This weekend the defensive end prospect plans to take a junior day at Syracuse.

Last season Tucker registered 65 tackles, 17 for loss, 12 sacks and one interception. He added 80 yards receiving and one touchdown on offense as he was named second team all-conference, third team Dream Team for Maryland and second team defensive end in D.C.

With so many accolades, what makes him stand out as a player?

"I think my biggest attribute is my speed," he said. "I come off the edge hard and I have a lot of technique and all-around strength. I'm also a very hard hitter when I get to where I'm going."