Tucker home at corner for University of St. Francis

JOLIET – Breion Tucker is one-third of the triplets who were so prominent in Joliet Catholic athletics a few years ago.

He began his college football career in the defensive backfield at St. Francis of Indiana.

Meanwhile, his brothers, Brequan and Breshion, enrolled at Jamestown, North Dakota, and played basketball. Now, two-thirds of the Tuckers are back home and ready to wear the colors of the University of St. Francis.

While Breshion is joining the Saints’ basketball team and Breion, a sophomore, is in line for a starting cornerback spot on the football field this fall. The Saints open the season Sept. 6 when they host Olivet Nazarene at Memorial Stadium in Joliet.

“Breion had a great summer,” USF coach Joe Curry said. “He has stepped in and done a great job. It was good for him to be here a year and not play and spend that time learning the system.

“Now, it’s like we have a veteran out there. That’s good. We had three freshmen cornerbacks last year.”

Tucker and sophomore Donte Cobb have been working the first unit at practice.

“St. Francis of Indiana has a good program,” Curry said of the team being selected in the league’s preseason vote to repeat as Mid-States Football Association Mideast League champion, while the Saints were picked for second.

“Breion was taught well there. They value academics like we do. At this point, everything has been seamless for him.”

Tucker said he decided to transfer to the local St. Francis to be close to family and friends.

“I came into a situation where I sat out a year,” he said. “That was good for me to get settled in and learn the system. I was here for spring ball. I have learned coverages better since I’ve gotten here and I think I’m mentally smarter.”

Tucker said he likes being on a team with a high school teammate, linebacker Mike Passo, along with twins John and Sheldon Magee, Plainfield South graduates he has known since they were kids.

In fact, Tucker often lines up in practice against Sheldon Magee, who likely will start at a receiver spot.

“I’m always matched up against Magee or [Troy] Torrence,” Tucker said. “They’re great receivers. I enjoy it. They make us all better DBs.”

Tucker was timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40 in high school. He intercepted 12 passes over his final two seasons at JCA and earned postseason accolades, especially as a senior.

He said USF has “one of the best defensive lines in the country. With [linebackers] Jamal [Graham] and Mike [Passo] behind them, they’ll get pressure and it will help us in coverage.

“Our conference is like the SEC of the NAIA. Everyone runs some sort of spread, so it will be challenging.”

Tucker, who said he probably will be on all the Saints’ special teams except kickoff return, arrived at St. Francis of Indiana as a potential cornerback or safety.

“When they watched me a little, they said I’m a corner,” he said. “I have a good chance to be with the 1s here.”

Tucker admits camp has left him “a little sore,” but he’s not concerned.

“I’m getting older,” he said with a smile. “But that’s what a training room is for. That’s what being in competition is all about.”

As for basketball, he pretty much is leaving that to his brothers.

“I shoot around with my brother once in a while, but that’s about it,” he said.

His focus is on football. He intends to add his name to the list of transfers who have made a significant difference with the USF program.

“It’s been pretty nice so far,” he said. “I feel welcome on this defense and this team. I want to earn a spot, help us win a lot and make the playoffs.”