The Zephyrhills Bulldogs stand at 7-2 and will head to the playoffs having missed the post season since 2006. The last game of the season will be at Sunlake where the 6A-6 district champs await for the battle tested Bulldogs.
Bulldog 2016 WR is one player the Seahawks will need to pay attention to tonight. Tucker leads the team in receptions and receiving yards. He has grown up over the years and his production is a good indicator of his growth. Besides getting bigger, faster and stronger, Tucker is maturing and the senior class has been a big influence, “Well I’ve learned multiple things this season. I’ve learned no matter what year I graduate or my age, a leader isn’t about that. It’s about who puts in the work. Teammates pick each other up when they make a mistake. It’s about how you carry yourself because you never know who’s watching.
Which senior has been the most influential this year? “Jaylen Pickett, no doubt! He’s like a brother to me. He always gives me the right and wrongs on and off the field. He’s a great kid that knows the game.” Pickett is a three year starter for the dogs and leads them in multiple statistical categories. A big part why the Dogs have progressed over the years. “When we are in practice it’s always competition between he and I. He takes no plays off and always there when coach needs him very respectable to all people.”
The last time Zhills was in the past season, 2006 8-3 under past head coach, Tom Fisher and earned a District Championship. This season, The Dogs will hit the road and travel to Suwannee (Live Oak, FL) for their first round game versus one of the best teams Suwannee has had in years. Making the playoffs was big. “I feel pretty good to be apart of the Bulldog family. We came up short the previous years and we came back extra hard this summer to get over the hump and now it’s here. We got to put in the work so we can be the Bulldogs everyone remembers.”
Where do you stand amongst the top 2016 prospects? “I’m not really sure where I stand. But after this season is over, I pray that I stand pretty high up. I’ve been trying to get my self out there and noticed. Nate Craig is my brother and he’s number one. But I tell him all the time, I’m not gonna ever stop grinding until I get to that number one spot. Then after that I’ma keep going!
In a run oriented offense, Tucker has accumulated 8 catches for 186 yards, averaging 23.3 yards per catch and 5 touchdowns. He knows he has the opportunity to improve and can’t wait to do so, “The WEIGHT ROOM Is the major one. It’s where all the success starts. In there getting stronger and faster; plan on going to some camps to better my game as well. Field work, 1 on 1’s, all of that good stuff. Watch some film on myself from the previous years to see what I can do better!”