Syracuse Football: Admirable that Sean Tucker wants to forge own legacy

Throughout the 2021 campaign for Syracuse football, there has proven a ton of spirited debate about the possibility of star running back Sean Tucker wearing the team’s famous No. 44 in the future.

Some fans are all for it. Others not so much. Tucker’s Orange teammates have weighed in on social media. My Inside The Loud House colleagues have given various takes.

But now it seems that Tucker doesn’t necessarily want to wear the No. 44 jersey, should he be offered that opportunity. As we all know, No. 44 was made into an iconic number by ‘Cuse legends such as Jim Brown, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis wearing it.

In a recent interview on the Gramlich and Mac Lain podcast, Tucker discussed the No. 44 and how he feels about it at this juncture, according to an article written by Chris Carlson of Syracuse.com.

Kudos to Syracuse football RB Sean Tucker for wanting to create his own legacy.

"In the podcast interview, Tucker said he absolutely respects the No. 44 and the legacy that it entails, adding, “I’m kind of big on not switching my number, just keeping my same number that I started out with until I finish.”"

Tucker, who presently wears No. 34 for the Orange, recently was named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award and also a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award.

As Syracuse football (5-5, 2-4) prepared to play at No. 20 N.C. State on Saturday in the late afternoon, Tucker was closing in on the single-season ‘Cuse record for rushing yards.

Prior to the encounter at the Wolfpack, the sophomore running back had produced 1,362 yards on the ground. The team’s single-stanza record is 1,372 yards from the legendary Joe Morris in 1979.

Tucker was also second nationally in total rushing yards heading into Saturday’s slate of college football contests. I completely understand the perspective of some Orange fans, and Tucker’s ‘Cuse teammates, who want the electric running back to don the No. 44 jersey.

It’s a tradition that we hold dear to our hearts, and Tucker’s break-through 2021 term has captivated Orange Nation. Plus, rolling out that iconic number once again, I would assume, could help with future recruiting efforts for Syracuse football coaches.

I understand and respect all of that. For me, though, what I respect even more is Tucker wanting to craft his own legacy during his football career on the Hill.

"He added to Gramlich and Mac Lain, “Personally, I mean, with all the success and everything that I have with my number, I’m sticking more toward keeping my number and just creating my own legacy.”"

Candidly, while restoring the No. 44 would be wonderful, if the Orange “needs” Sean Tucker to wear that number in order for the squad to land recruits, then that’s a larger issue to me.

Tucker, it appears, is intent on forging his own path. I can appreciate that some Syracuse football fans will be disappointed should he not wear the No. 44. But I have a lot of admiration and respect for Tucker’s line of thinking here.