Four-star DE impressed by trip to Pitt

Four-star defensive end Tony Tucker out of Washington (D.C.) St. John's had a great visit to Virginia Tech last week. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder followed that official up with a trip to Pittsburgh. Could the Panthers match or even impress Tucker more than the Hokies did?

"Oh yeah, that trip was great," he said. "There was so much stuff I did I don't know where to start.

"I got there around four on Friday and met with most of the coaching staff. It was a good chance to get to know them better and that night I went out to Dave and Buster's. On Friday night, I went out with my host Oderick Turner. He was nice and a really good host. He told me a lot of useful information about what it's like to be a player there."

Tucker's Saturday was even busier as he decided to take his SAT in Pittsburgh.

"I woke up early at six to go take my SATs," he said. "After that, I had lunch at the Pittsburgh facility and then toured the academic center. I met with people in the business department and saw the buildings. I also met with some tutors. Later in the day, I took a tour around campus and saw a bit of the dorms and then I went to check out the stadium, locker rooms, field and more."

Before leaving on Sunday, the Rivals250 prospect met with a few of the coaches.

"I talked to most of the coaches about football and academics," he said. "They discussed where they'd play me which is at defensive end and went on to discuss my job for the team.

"Then my mom and I met with coach Wannstedt. It was a really good conversation. He talked about how he and his father used to work in the Pittsburgh steel mills and then went on to discuss what kind of guys he recruits. He also talked about how the program is coming up. I've got to say he's a really nice guy."

Pittsburgh certainly rolled out the red carpet for Tucker and it didn't go unnoticed.

"Wow, I'd rate the trip an 11 it was pretty nice," he said. "I don't like to compare visits to others, but I think Pittsburgh got that one over Virginia Tech a bit. It just seemed like they did a little more and I felt comfortable at Pittsburgh maybe it's because I'm a city boy."

Does that mean the Panthers are leading for the No. 3 player in D.C.?

"I can't come up with a leader now, it's getting very hard," he stated. "The best thing for me is to sit down with my family and come up with the pros and cons of each and find the best place I will grow spiritually, academically, athletically and socially."

Tucker was planning to make his next trip to Georgia Tech this week, but has since cancelled the official.

"I think I'm going to be taking that weekend off," he said. "I'm still talking to Georgia Tech, but I'd say they are for the most part out of it now."