Tiger coach Tommy West has spoken repeatedly during preseason camp about Marcus Rucker, the talented freshman receiver from Whitehaven High.

And with each practice, Rucker is making matters difficult for West.

Ideally, West would like to redshirt Rucker because of the abundance of veteran receivers the Tigers will play this season. But Rucker has had a solid camp, impressing in workouts and scrimmages.

In a `Blitz-pickup’ session Wednesday, Rucker made a spectacular one-handed grab near the sideline to pick up a first down. And a few minutes later, he freed himself from his defender, caught a pass in stride, and raced for what would have been a 70-yard touchdown.

Still, it will be hard for Rucker to find a spot if the receiving corps of Duke Calhoun, Carlos Singleton, Steven Black, Maurice Jones, Earnest Williams, Carlton Robinzine, Steven Joachim and Brian Hall stays healthy.