Graham grad Tucker Horn is making winning look easy at Trinity
“Winning is hard” is the phrase Trinity’s All-American linebacker Caleb Harmel often hears from his QB1.
Trinity quarterback Tucker Horn is correct. Winning is hard, but the former Graham standout has made it appear easy.
Since becoming the starting quarterback for the Tigers in 2021, Horn has led Trinity to an incredible 22-3 overall record, consecutive Southern Athletic Association titles, and two appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs, highlighted by the program’s first postseason victory since 2002 last year.
What is it that makes winning so hard?
“It takes so much out of one person’s life on the team to win a football game,” Horn explained. “It doesn’t matter if you’re going against a weaker opponent or a tough opponent. It takes so much to win. Whether you win by one point or 20 points, you should celebrate and not take winning for granted because we should value winning.”
Horn’s intelligence is one area in which he excels, but it’s far from his only strength.
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“Tucker is so special,” Trinity coach Jerheme Urban said. “He’s very consistent and has an incredible work ethic. He’s so genuine. He works hard because he knows that will help others reach their goals.”
“He spearheads the offense and drives the mentality that we’re going to be the best in the nation,” Harmel added. “He’s a great example of what a football player should be and is a great leader of the offense. His determination bleeds into the rest of the team.”
Horn will be slotted amongst the greatest players in program history when his collegiate career is complete. He currently holds the program record for completion percentage (66%), sits second in quarterback efficiency rating (161.7), third in passing touchdowns (39), third in career passing yards, and is second in total career touchdowns.
In other words, Horn will depart Trinity regarded as one of the best players in program history behind legendary quarterbacks Mike Burton and Roy Hampton. A Trinity legend in his own right, Urban has played with or coached all three quarterbacks.
“I knew Mike when I was a freshman and then as a coach. I’m very fond of Roy, having been his teammate, and I remember all the unique things he could do on the field,” Urban said. “Not to lessen anyone else’s contributions, but I’ve never coached anyone like Tucker since I’ve been here.”
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Horn is not interested in looking at the record books right now. He’s focused on leading Trinity to an appearance in the Stagg Bowl and a shot at departing with a national title.
“I’m cherishing it all right now,” Horn said after leading Trinity to an impressive 35-16 win over perennial powerhouse Mary Hardin-Baylor. “The time I’ve had here has been really special, and the people here are special to me. I’m fortunate to play with so many good football players.”
A semifinalist for the Gagliardi Trophy awarded to the most outstanding Division III football player in 2021, Horn has another saying that has permeated the entire team.
“Football is not a hobby for him,” Harmel said.
Urban said he believes Horn can turn football into a profession, and Horn’s abilities were fully displayed against the Crusaders last Saturday. UMHB employed an umbrella coverage to limit Trinity's dangerous vertical passing game. Horn took what the defense gave and led the Tigers to their first win over UMHB in 19 years.
“He has a special brain, and his ability to process what he sees is elite. I’ve had a chance to be in many locker rooms and around many elite quarterbacks,” Urban said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that he would be able to attend an NFL minicamp or training camp and learn everything. He has the ability to retain information from one clip of film he saw a year ago and use that to the team’s advantage.”
Despite the accolades and the interest from NFL scouts, Horn reminds himself of one thing when he wakes up daily — winning is hard.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Former Graham football player Tucker Horn shining at Trinity University
