From the spinning, the hurdling, to simply out running my older cousins and other children who lived on the same block. Backyard football in Lubbock, Texas is where my love for the game began. Though I was truly fascinated by the game, at the time when other kids were learning the rules, playing flag, and tackle football my mother could not afford the fee for me to join a youth league team until I was 11. However, that didn’t stop me. Every opportunity I had there was a ball in my hand at recess, after school, even got a few smacks to the back of the head for throwing the ball up to myself and running through the aisles in Wal-Mart thinking I was Devin Hester returning kicks.

My name is D’Maujeric Tucker, I am an Eastern New Mexico University Alumni. During my time in New Mexico, I received recognition for not only athletics, but for academics as well. Academic awards included 6 of the 8 semesters I attended the university I was on the All-LSC Academic honor roll. For athletics I was awarded LSC Special Teams player of the week 5 times, University player of the week 3 times, and earned the title All-American. I even hold the record for two of the longest kick returns in school history.

I know to some people football is just a game, but for me it paved a way. It opened doors and gave me opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. It paid for my college, taught me discipline, the importance of mental/physical toughness, and accountability. It even gave me insight on how unfair life could be sometimes, dealing with injuries, playing time or lack thereof, and at times things just don’t go in your favor. It showed me that everyone falls, but not everyone has the heart to get back up. Football has brought me friendships, memories, and connections that will last a lifetime.

My goal as an athlete has played at the collegiate level and currently pursuing a position on an active professional roster is to teach the youth not just football, but the importance of everything it includes to be successful. I would also like to speak with parents and guardians of young athletes to educate them on the process of recruitment and all it entails. That includes the cost of camps, travels, and all it takes to get their children in from of the right people. I would like to give back to my city for the constant support they have had for me since high school. I also want to thank the coaching staffs who have worked with me at every level. Together we will give everyone a reason to take West Texas Football seriously. Be the Difference.