Another important factor is the man a few lockers away from him, Davante Adams.
For the young receiver, being on the team with Adams is still surreal. It was just over a year ago that he was in the Cincinnati Bearcats’ film room, studying Adams’ route concepts and techniques.
Over time, the All-Pro receiver became a kind of “big brother” and mentor.
“When you really get to know Tae and who he is, I guess you could say we think alike,” Tucker said. “Me and him clicked right away. I came in as a freshman and we had the same values. Usually when that happens, you get really close. … We just really hit it off. Last year we got closer as the year went on, but this year we’ve really gotten close.”
Tucker has made it his mission to ask Adams a question every day, whether it’s about football or life itself. While Adams is still considered one of the best receivers in the NFL, the 11-year veteran is more concerned with passing that on to the future generation at his position.
“Watching his development and knowing his mentality and determination, he’s a very ambitious young player,” Adams said of Tucker. “He’s doing everything right now to continue to improve. I feel like I have a son on the team, in the most brotherly way. … I love nothing more than helping anybody, but especially this kid.”
