SRU alumnus Tucker signed by NFL’s Packers

May 10, 2016

GREEN BAY, Wis. - The Green Bay Packers announced May 9 that former Slippery Rock University standout and recent graduate Cory Tucker has been signed following rookie tryouts.

"All I ever wanted was a chance to prove myself," said Tucker. "I am so thankful that the Packers gave me the opportunity to come in and try to earn a spot with their organization. It's been an incredible ride so far and I can't wait to keep working hard every single day up here."

Tucker was one of four undrafted free agents that the Packers signed following the rookie orientation. The team had a total of 27 players participate on a tryout basis May 6-8.

"I can't say anyone in our office is surprised," said Slippery Rock head coach Shawn Lutz. "We all knew Cory was capable of going up there and holding his own and earning a spot. We are incredibly proud of his efforts and we know he will continue to keep working his tail off every day."

Tucker becomes the second former SRU offensive lineman that will be on an official NFL 90-man roster during preseason and camp workouts, joining 2010 graduate Brandon Fusco, a starter for the Minnesota Vikings.

Tucker earned a bachelor's degree in sport management after concluding his football career at The Rock in stellar fashion last fall.

The South Park native helped lead one of the best offensive attacks among all NCAA Division II schools in 2015. The Rock finished the year with the highest scoring offense in the country, averaging 45.2 points per game. SRU had the most first downs (351) of any team in the nation, the fifth best total offense in the nation at 490.3 yards per game and the 12th best rushing offense at 257.7 yards per game. The Rock offense shattered multiple single-season school records this fall, including rushing yards (3,608), rushing attempts (741), rushing TDs (46), total offense (6,864), all-purpose yardage (8,599), scoring (633 points) and total TDs (87).

Tucker, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 314 pounds, was a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year, finishing third overall in the national voting for the award.

He was honored by six different organizations as an All-American following the 2015 season, including four that named him a first team All-American, including the AP Little All-America team and the American Football Coaches Association.

Tucker started 48 straight games at right tackle over the last four years at SRU, never missing a start after redshirting his first year on campus. The Packers will shift Tucker to guard and have assigned him jersey number 62.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jon Holtz | 724.738.4925 | jonathan.holtz@sru.edu