Shiloh's Tucker glad to be home

Chip Souza
August 6, 2011

SPRINGDALE — A large floppy hat and dark sunglasses made Shiloh Christian’s newest assistant football coach hard to recognize.

But there was no hiding Austin Tucker’s enthusiasm to be back in Champions Stadium as the Saints running backs coach. Tucker is in his first season as a coach, hired last spring by Shiloh coach Josh Floyd.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Tucker said on Tuesday as the Saints completed their first practice under triple-digit heat. “It was a little weird at first, but I’ve gotten used to it.”

Tucker, who played at Arkansas last fall, was a key member of Shiloh’s recent run of state championships. Tucker was named the Most Valuable Player in the 2006 Class 3A state championship game. That title propelled the Saints to its current streak of four state titles in the past five seasons.

Tucker said joining a staff that includes both Floyd and special teams coach Jimmy Harris, who were on staff when he played, made the transition smoother.

“It’s just good to come back and coach with coach Floyd and coach Harris,” Tucker said. “It’s been a real good experience.”

Tucker played a key role in Shiloh’s run to the state title in 2006 as both a receiver and later at quarterback when starter Matt Simpson was injured. Tucker moved behind center and led the Saints to the title over Prescott.