Gary Tucker has always loved watching Tennessee play football. He would love nothing more than to play for the Vols.

The lineman from Maryville High School said he has not yet received a college scholarship offer but has received interest from Tennessee, South Carolina, Louisville, Kentucky, and Middle Tennessee State.

Tucker said that if UT were to offer him a scholarship, he would undoubtedly accept. UT is still evaluating Tucker and will continue to do so this season.

"It would mean a whole lot," the 6-foot-3, 242 pound senior said. "It's something that I've worked hard for. My family would be happy for me."

Tucker said he knows he'll have to work hard on and off the field to earn a scholarship offer from UT.

"What I probably need to do is play hard, get my work done in school and just go out there and play my best," he said. "I need to work on my speed and gaining more weight."

Maryville head coach George Quarles has watched Tucker progress since he entered high school. After starting on the offensive line as a sophomore, Tucker was moved to defensive tackle. Quarles said Tucker fit in well on defense.

"It took him a few weeks to get used to that, but once he got a hold of it, he really blossomed in that position," Quarles said. "He's gotten much stronger and faster over the last few years and worked very hard in the weight room. I really think that Gary is one of those guys that his best days are ahead of him."

Tucker also plays basketball for the Rebels. Quarles said Tucker's athleticism on the basketball court benefits him as a defensive lineman.

"He has some good moves in there," Quarles said. "He knows how to swim and rip. He can kind of get them going one way and then go back the other.

"I think that's where basketball helps him. He has some good feet. Those two things kind of go hand in hand when you're trying to rush the quarterback and get open in the low post. He can do both of those pretty well."

Tucker said he has a relationship with UT recruiter Dan Brooks. Brooks' son, Rhett, played offensive line for Maryville last year and now plays for Murray State.

"We talk from time to time," Tucker said, referring to UT's defensive tackles coach. "When we see each other we speak and he asks me about football and school and how everything is going. I'd say it's a pretty good relationship."

Tucker said playing for a strong program like Maryville has helped him mature.

"It's helped me a lot, not only on the football field but off the field," he said. "Maryville is a very good program. It all comes down to teamwork and hard work and dedication."

Quarles said Tucker has what it takes to earn a scholarship offer as long as he keeps working.

"He's a good competitor on the football field," Quarles said. "He really hustles and plays the whole field on the defensive side. He has the ability to go play at the next level, without a doubt."