B.J. Tucker didn’t grow up playing football, as many of his current teammates at UW probably did. He didn’t even live in the United States in the beginning of his life. Rather, the senior cornerback was born in Africa, where he played soccer and ran track.

However, Tucker’s childhood experience growing up in Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, has shaped him into a better football player.

“I played soccer and [ran] track there,” Tucker said. “It helped my footwork out a lot.”

Tucker’s family moved to the United States when he was 10, so it is difficult for him to remember much more about residing in Africa. However, he does recall that his lifestyle in Africa was similar to what it has been in America.

“We had a lot of the same things, [but] school was a lot more disciplined there,” Tucker said.

When in high school, Tucker was voted a SuperPrep All-American football player at Nicolet, a suburb of Milwaukee. After a successful high school career, Tucker moved on to Wisconsin to play under Alvarez.

Tucker was able to persevere through his first three years at UW, despite being criticized by the media for his inconsistent play at cornerback. He has moved up and down the depth charts several times for the Badger defense, often leaving fans wondering if he would ever reach his potential.

Though his play on the field brought concern, there was never any doubt that he was an athletic kid.

In addition to showing his skills on the gridiron, Tucker has been successful as a member of the UW track team. He finished second in the 100-meter dash at the Big Ten Championship last spring in addition to a previous second place finish in the 60-meters to ex-Badger Michael Bennett in 2000.

While Tucker was running past opponents off the football field, last spring he began to prove to the Badger coaching staff that he was confident in himself, driven to earn and, more importantly, keep a starting role.

“B.J. had the best spring of anybody back there,” secondary coach Ron Cooper said.

“He played more solidly than anybody back there. I never saw him play this spring like he wasn’t confident.”

It is this confidence that has been the answer this year for Tucker. He’s already accumulated three interceptions in the first five games this season. In his first three years at UW, Tucker went without even one interception of an opposing quarterback. The way he’s played on the field in his senior season is a testament to the metamorphosis he’s gone through as a football player.

Despite his small 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame, Tucker is noted for his Deion Sanders-esque speed. Tucker has always been able to depend on his quickness, which allows him to take bigger risks on the field.

He is a student of the game and said that he has gotten progressively stronger during his career. He attributes this to strength and conditioning coach John Dettmann.

Furthermore, Tucker had become one of the leaders on the defense.

“I’m just trying to go out there and be a leader,” Tucker said. “Hopefully, the young guys will follow”

As the Big Ten season begins Saturday against Penn State, Tucker feels he and the rest of the team are ready.

“It’s the Big Ten,” Tucker said. “Intensity is higher. It’s a different tone.”

When asked about Penn State quarterback Zack Mills, Tucker recognizes that he will have to work even harder at cornerback to prevent the Nittany Lions’ wide receivers from getting open down the field.

“He’s as good [a quarterback] as we’re going to see all year,” Tucker said.

“Everyone’s going to have to bear down and focus for the game.”

While Tucker is prepared for Penn State in the short run, his long-term goal consists of making it to the Rose Bowl. Along with fellow teammates Brooks Bolinger and Lee Evans, Tucker was a member of the 1999 Rose Bowl championship team.

He understands that making it to Pasadena isn’t exactly a bed of roses, but it remains a major goal for the season.

“We’re on the right path right now,” Tucker said.

“We’ll take it one game at time. The Rose Bowl is a goal for us every year.”

While he has gone through many ups and downs, Tucker just wants to go out and help his team win in any way possible.

His main wish is that he is remembered as a football player who tried to contribute and guide his team to victory.