2020 OL Bryn Tucker: “The offensive line they had this year was amazing"

Notre Dame typically doesn’t offer offensive lineman two classes in advance, but if they do, it’s safe to say it’s a special player. 2020 Knoxville Catholic (Tenn.) offensive lineman Bryn Tucker‍ picked up an offer on Friday from the Irish and the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder was absolutely delighted.

“My head coach texted me during school that the offensive coordinator Chip Long wanted to reach out to me and give me the good news,” Tucker told Irish Sports Daily. “It’s an amazing blessing. 

“It’s an amazing offer. Notre Dame has a lot of tradition, and they had a great offensive line coach in Harry Hiestand. The offensive line is amazing there.” 

Tucker attends the same high school as former Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith and is aware of some of the similarities. 

“It’s a great school,” stated Tucker. “It’s a Catholic school, and I go to a Catholic school. If I did go there, I would still be feeling the momentum there.” 

Notre Dame isn’t the first offer for the Knoxville native and it certainly won’t be the last. Tucker holds offers from Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Tennessee, but it’s growing by the day.

“God is sending down prayers for me,” Tucker said of his recruitment. “I thank God every day and my parents for helping me out through this process. I thank my coaches too. I’m glad to be in this position.” 

Knoxville Catholic is not a stranger to producing big-time Division-I prospects as they produce 2018 Georgia four-star offensive line signee, Cade Mays‍, this past year, who has given Tucker a little advice on the process. 

“He’s already moved in at the University of Georgia,” explained Tucker. “We keep in contact, but he’s letting me be me. He has told me to go to the school that fits me the best.” 

Tucker is well aware of the success Mike McGlinchey, and Quenton Nelson had this past year, and despite Hiestand’s move to the Chicago Bears, the four-star prospect knows Notre Dame produces linemen. 

“The offensive line they had this year was amazing,” said Tucker. “Everything they did was perfect technique. Coach Hiestand was a great man, and he had come to my school before. He’s the one that got my recruiting process rolling. 

“I’ve been a fan of Notre Dame, and they produce great offensive linemen in the NFL. What they do is something very special.” 

Regarding a trip to Notre Dame, Tucker has spoken with his parents, and they are trying to set a date to get to South Bend. 

On his visits, Tucker will be checking out academics, but also how well he fits with the coaching staff and the players on the current roster. 

“I’m just looking for the best education I can get,” stated Tucker. “The coaches treat you like family, and I want to walk in and see a positive vibe. I am trying to get a great bond with the coaching staffs and the players.” 

The Tennessee native is also intrigued to see what the Volunteers do with new head coach Jeremy Pruitt. In fact, Tucker will head to Tennessee this weekend for a visit to meet the new staff. 

“On Saturday, I’m taking a trip up there to visit,” said Tucker. “They have a little get-together, and I’m going to meet the coaching staff. I’m looking forward to getting up there and seeing what coach Pruitt is doing up there.”