VYPE: Your coaches have commended your work ethic. Where does it come from?
Tucker McDaniel: I always have wanted to prove I was something more. I have always given it my all at the gym, and at practice I never ever give up. In everything I do, I truly give it 110%.
VYPE: What age did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport?
TM: I started playing when I was in the seventh grade, age 12. I started out watching my brother when he was in the seventh grade. Then we reflected on my father and grandfather’s pasts being football players as well. My father from Balko, Oklahoma played around the field but specialized as a linebacker. He would end up getting Class C Defensive Player of the Year and Class C State Champions. My Grandpa played through college at South Dakota State University then went on to play in the NFL for seven years.
VYPE: What is the greatest memory you’ve made playing so far?
TM: Got my first touchdown in the last game of the season. I hit the player so hard he couldn’t even hold onto me going into the end zone.
VYPE: What are your personal expectations for this season?
TM: My expectations consist of getting more rushing yards and touchdowns. I would love to get us a championship for our football season.
VYPE: What are the challenges of playing with a hearing disability? And how have you persevered?
TM: The biggest challenge is not knowing what’s going on 100% of the time. I really have to use my eyes and concentrate on reading peoples’ lips to get a full understanding. Besides that, I have my plays on my wrist and me and the coaches make signals so we can communicate the plays through the field. I also have my brother and dad on the sidelines keeping me updated with pointers through sign language. If you don’t persevere and push through the struggles you won’t succeed.
VYPE: What are your goals after high school?
TM: My goal is to get a scholarship for football and make it to the big leagues like my grandpa did.
VYPE: Which teammate, past or present, has had the greatest impact on you? Why?
TM: My Best friend Jeremiah has by far had the greatest impact on me. From telling me what the coach says when I didn’t quite catch it, to even being my spotter at the gym. My brother has also played a great role in my gym life but also my day-to-day life.
VYPE: Who’s your favorite athlete?
TM: My aad and my grandpa.
VYPE: Which team is your favorite rival?
TM: Piedmont Wildcats and Guthrie Blue Jays.
