Bennett and Tucker Sign on with Bucs

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Goose Creek High School product Trevon Bennett and Thomaston, Georgia native Martrice Tucker will join the Charleston Southern football team’s incoming freshman class for the 2012 season, head coach Jay Mills announced on Wednesday. Bennett and Tucker join twenty-one other newcomers who pledged to play with the Bucs on February 1 National Signing Day.

Bennett, an inside linebacker, was a two-year starter for legendary Goose Creek Coach Chuck Reedy, and helped lead the Gators to the 2011 4A Division II State Championship. The 6-0, 195 lb. Bennett racked up 147 tackles as a senior, while also intercepting three passes, breaking up three others, and scoring two touchdowns. For his efforts, Bennett earned All-Lowcountry Lineman of the Year honors in addition to being named to the all-region and all-Lowcountry teams. Bennett was also sensational as a junior, proving his nose for the football by tallying 158 stops. Football was Bennett’s calling card at Goose Creek, but he showed his all-around athletic ability by starring in wrestling and track as well. Bennett achieved state recognition in each, finishing 4th in the 195-pound weight class, and 5th in the 200-meter run.

Tucker, a defensive back, played four years of high school football under the direction of coach Tommy Watson at Upson-Lee. The 6-2, 170 lb. speedster enjoyed a stellar senior year, making 43 tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Like Bennett, Tucker also showcased his athleticism by claiming a runner-up finish in the 4x100 state track meet, and a fifth place showing at the state weight lifting meet.

Charleston Southern opens the 2012 season on September 1 with a trip to downtown Charleston to face off against rival, The Citadel. The Bucs will host their first home contest versus Jacksonville on September 8.