Running Down The Dream: Keilon Tucker

The Chapman Panthers are off to a sizzling hot start to the season, having beaten Clinton handily this past Friday night to improve to 4-0 to start a season for the first time in six years. A huge part of that success has been because of senior wide receiver Keilon Tucker, who has hauled in 21 catches for 349 yards and five touchdowns over that span — ranking in the top five in our entire coverage area.

However, Keilon is not just a threat on the gridiron. He holds the distinction of being a three-sport athlete, particularly excelling on the track, where he won the state title in both the 110 meter and 400 meter hurdles last spring — an accomplishment he will always cherish.

“The experience of winning those state championships was unreal”, said Tucker. “I have been running track since I was in 6th grade and I never thought I would win a state title. It definitely ranks number one on my list of athletic achievements. I will never forget the look on everyone’s face after I won. It was priceless.”

Keilon’s athletic journey began with football at a young age, but you might be shocked to know it is not number one on his list.

”My parents got me into football, and I started playing when I was in first grade”, said Tucker. “Track is by far my favorite sport out of the three. I love the physicality of football, and I love defending on the basketball court. But the individuality of track and the thrill of racing make it my favorite.”

Tucker’s speed is something that helps him be the top notch receiver he is. Much in the same way as his favorite athlete — current Miami Hurricanes wideout Malachi Toney.

“Malachi is my favorite player because when I watch him, I see myself on the field”, said Keilon. “We both are good route runners, have a lot of speed, can change direction quickly, and are capable of big explosive plays.”

Tucker’s climb to where he is has been influenced by several sources, first among them his mother.

“My mom has definitely had the most influence on my life”, said Keilon. “Of my family, she is who I am closest to. Mama has always been there for me, going to my games, and helping me to get to where I am now. She has always taught me to work hard for everything because nothing is ever going to be just handed to me.”

He has also found some inspiration from his favorite teacher — Mrs. Trejo.

“My Spanish teacher Mrs. Trejo will always be important to me. She’s always believed in our team and she has always taught me to never give up even if I am down.”

Lastly, he finds some extra motivation from the support of the people of the City of Inman.

“I love how much the community in Inman cares about the team”, said Tucker. “We get sponsored meals. Businesses donate to us. We hold a team breakfast every Friday morning at Inman Mills Baptist Church. It’s awesome. But what really gets me hyped for the game is running out of the tunnel and seeing everyone in the stands cheering loudly for us.”

There is one thing Keilon values more than the motivation he gets from his family and community, and that is the discipline Chapman Head Coach Harry Cabaniss stresses.

“One thing I love about playing for Coach Cab is how he believes in all of his players, even when something goes wrong”, Tucker stated. “He stresses discipline over motivation, meaning that you should always be ready to go rather than waiting on or looking for something to push you to get up and get going.”

Tucker also loves the camaraderie with his teammates — something cultivated well in the program at Chapman, citing a very recent example that he says he will look back at as one of his favorite memories of his senior season.

“I loved the win over Eastside earlier this season. It was rain delayed, and while it was pouring, we were just sitting in the field house playing baseball with random things sitting around and having a good time”, Keilon recalled with a smile.

“We also pray together before every game, which I love”, he later added. “Prayer is important to us as a team. After we run out onto the field, we always huddle together as a group and say one last prayer before the game starts.”

While Keilon enjoys having a good time bonding with his boys, outside of football he leads a much quieter life, enjoying some typical teen things.

“Outside of sports, my favorite hobby is watching Anime”, said Tucker. “My favorite anime show is Vinland Saga because the main character reminds me so much of myself. In the beginning, he was angry and selfish, but over time, he grew to become a peaceful person as he learned how to stay calm.”

He also loves to eat food and listen to music, which is one way he gets himself focused on game day.

“One thing I want people to know about me is that I love food,” said Tucker. “ I spend all my money on food and ice cream. I love all types of foods, but my favorite is anything Hispanic. It is the best. I also love cookies and cream ice cream. Aside from food, music is another big influence for me. Before games I always listen to music to lock in. My favorite artists are NBA Youngboy, Pradabagshawty, and BossMan Dlow.”

As a senior, Keilon already has a plan for his future as well as some advice to leave as a legacy for any aspiring athletes who may be looking up to him or reading this.

“After I graduate, I want to run track in college while I pursue a degree in civil engineering”, Keilon stated. “But, if anything I leave behind it is this advice. I want anyone looking up to me to know they should always believe in themselves, because at the end of the day, belief in yourself is all you need to do big things.”

You can catch Tucker and the Panthers in action this Friday night as they look to stay undefeated by passing their toughest test of the season to date, hosting the Woodruff Wolverines with kickoff set for 7:30 PM.