An offseason progress report

You've probably been wondering where we've been around here. Well, when you cover the NFL 24/7, you have to take a break at those precious few times when things slow down. When you start sleeping with a BlackBerry under your pillow, you're really overdue for some time off.

But I digress. Let's talk football.

We are pretty much done with free agency, for all intents and purposes. The draft also is in the books. So, now seems like a good time to ask: where did the Bucs improve most this offseason?

They addressed several areas of the team, notably the defensive line, running back (Warrick Dunn), tight end, offensive line and receiver (sort of). There's no obvious answer because what the Bucs did this offseason was more tweaking than overhauling. But it's still worth considering.

I would argue the Bucs did their best work on the offensive line, where they scooped up the top free-agent center, Jeff Faine, and added what I think could be a very valuable third-round draft pick, do-it-all Jeremy Zuttah of Rutgers. Faine should be a substantial upgrade over former center John Wade and don't be surprised if Zuttah sees the field a lot this fall. Hard to say where because he plays all over the place, but he's learning center and is quite adept at playing guard and tackle, too.

While all that is very nice, it probably doesn't excite you a whole lot. I'm with you. But I can't make a case that the Bucs are a whole lot better at tight end because Ben Troupe is a couple years removed from a half-decent season and, well, what do we really know about John Gilmore?

I would try to argue the running back corps is substantially better with the addition of Dunn, but the jury is still out, if you ask me. Dunn is at a stage of his career where the potential for a dropoff is huge. Plus, he'll be best utilized in small doses, which might limit his overall impact.

On the defensive line, the Bucs obviously felt they needed to upgrade, thus their interest in defensive end Jared Allen, who was traded from Kansas City to Minnesota. What they did was cut Greg Spires, bring back Kevin Carter, signed Marques Douglas and Jimmy Wilkerson and drafted fourth-rounder Dre Moore. I'm certainly not ready to proclaim that a better lineup than last year, though I suspect it'll be something of an upgrade.

And then we come to receiver, where we must reserve judgment until the season starts. There are too many questions. The newcomers are the embattled Antonio Bryant and second-round pick Dexter Jackson. Bryant has to keep his nose clean and return to form after a year off while Jackson must prove he can have an impact beyond special teams. Plus, the Bucs are relying somewhat heavily on Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall having bounce-back seasons, which is a bit of a risky proposition.

As a side note, I think we can all agree that the secondary is better with the addition of first-round pick Aqib Talib. It's just that no one was losing sleep over that area of the team to begin with. I did, however, think it was a good pick, even if it didn't address an immediate need.

So, the Bucs clearly have tightened some screws this offseason, which probably makes them a better team. How much better? That's up for debate.

Ex-Buc Abdullah arrested

Former Bucs running back Rabih Abdullah, 33, was arrested Wednesday night in New Tampa on an outstanding warrant of driving with a license that is revoked, suspended, or canceled.

Abdullah played for the Buccaneers from 1998 to 2001. He also played for New England and Chicago. He has been out of the NFL since 2004.

He pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in 2004 and also was arrested in 2006 on charges of DUI, as well as carrying a gun and marijuana in his car.

-- Lisa Greene, Times staff

Bucs sign four prospects

We told you last night that former USF receiver Amarri Jackson would be signing with the Bucs after his showing in the weekend's rookie mini-camp.

We now know he'll be joined by three others: Troy defensive tackle Chris Bradwell, Miami center John Rochford and Fresno State running back Clifton Smith.

The Bucs will have a chance to get a longer look at the quartet in the coming weeks when the team resumes offseason workouts. Because there's almost guaranteed to be further roster shuffling through the summer, it's not certain all four will make it to training camp. However, as of today, they are on the roster.

Coaches indicated over the weekend that Bradwell had made an impression, so his signing his no surprise. As for Rochford, he plays a position (center) where the Bucs are looking for depth. And Smith was a dynamic return man in college and could potentially provide a boost there, although second-round pick Dexter Jackson looks likely to handle return duties in 2008.

All four of today's signees participated in rookie camp on tryout contracts after going undrafted the previous weekend.

Bucs sign USF's Jackson

Former USF receiver Amarri Jackson, passed over in last weekend's NFL Draft, showed enough in a three-day rookie minicamp with the Bucs that he's agreed to a free-agent contract with Tampa Bay, according to his agent.

"They offered him a deal," Tim Rogers said Monday night. "It's not official because we haven't signed it yet, but I've got the contract."

Jackson, one of 38 undrafted players brought in to battle for a handful of contracts, will report back to the Bucs in two weeks for the first session of OTAs, which open on his 23rd birthday. Rogers said Jackson will be one of 12 receivers the Bucs take to camp, so he'll still face a tough numbers crunch to make the Bucs' 53-man roster in August.

Jackson is the fourth member of this year's USF senior class to sign with an NFL team, joining cornerbacks Mike Jenkins (first round, Cowboys) and Trae Williams (fifth, Jaguars) and linebacker Ben Moffitt, who signed a free-agent deal with the Texans.

-- GREG AUMAN, Times Staff Writer

Former USF receiver Amarri Jackson, passed over in last weekend's NFL Draft, showed enough in a three-day rookie minicamp with the Bucs that he's agreed to a free-agent contract with Tampa Bay, according to his agent.

"They offered him a deal," Tim Rogers said Monday night. "It's not official because we haven't signed it yet, but I've got the contract."

Jackson, one of 38 undrafted players brought in to battle for a handful of contracts, will report back to the Bucs in two weeks for the first session of OTAs, which open on his 23rd birthday. Rogers said Jackson will be one of 12 receivers the Bucs take to camp, so he'll still face a tough numbers crunch to make the Bucs' 53-man roster in August.

Jackson is the fourth member of this year's USF senior class to sign with an NFL team, joining cornerbacks Mike Jenkins (first round, Cowboys) and Trae Williams (fifth, Jaguars) and linebacker Ben Moffitt, who signed a free-agent deal with the Texans.

-- GREG AUMAN, Times Staff Writer

A few prospects to stick around?

Seems there were a few long shots who managed to catch the eyes of coaches during this weekend's rookie mini-camp.

Jon Gruden says the staff is taking a long look at some unnamed players who Gruden indicated the team is considering signing. He just won't say who they are yet.

"I would," Gruden said. "I just don't want the other teams to know who we're thinking about. But I will say there were three or four guys who really did some good things out here and were impressive."

We get the feeling Troy defensive lineman Chris Bradwell, formerly of Florida State, might be a guy they deem worthy of a longer look. He received some high praise from coaches today and throughout the weekend.

If any of the prospects are signed, we should hear about it in the coming days and we'll let you know.

Coaching staff shakeup

We learned today that Larry Coyer will no longer coach the defensive line, but rather fulfill the duties that his title of assistant head coach implies.

Coyer will be involved in coaching several areas of the team, including the offensive line, giving coach Jon Gruden and others the ability to use Coyer as a greater resource.

Todd Wash, who joined the Bucs last year as a defensive quality control coach, will take over day-to-day duties coaching the defensive line.

Coyer was hired last year after serving four seasons as the Broncos' defensive coordinator.

Jackson held out; other camp notes

Second-round pick Dexter Jackson was held out of the majority of this afternoon's practice after participating in the morning walkthrough, though coach Jon Gruden wasn't specific about what was ailing the receiver/return.

However, we can tell you that we've learned that Jackson tweaked his hamstring early in Friday's practice, which might account for his missing today's workout.

Whatever the issue, it certainly isn't the kind of first impression Jackson was hoping to make in Tampa Bay.

Elsewhere this afternoon, we learned a little more about fourth-round pick Dre Moore. He has been working exclusively at under tackle and defenisve coordinator Monte Kiffin told me he has a real chance to work his way into the regular rotation. They like his ability to bullrush, which Moore says he combines with his noticeable quickness once he wears down his opponents. I'll have more on Moore in a story that runs in Monday's paper.

Also today, we heard from former TCU defensive lineman Tommy Blake, who has battled well-documented issues with depression and social anxiety disorder and now is seen as a long shot. But his mere presence here tells you a lot about him, Gruden said. See Sunday's paper for more on Blake.

Rookie camp isn't pretty

The Bucs wrapped up their first day of rookie camp a little while ago here at One Buc Place.

It's an annual event that really can provide some interesting stories as guys from various backgrounds and a wide variety of talent levels try to follow their NFL dreams.

It can also be an adventure for coaches, who have only one day of preparation to get these guys on the same page -- even though they've probably never met and certainly haven't played together.

"For all these guys, it's a big learning curve," coach Jon Gruden said. "Some of these guys were in a spread offense and have never been in a two-back set. A lot of college football teams we styudy don't even use a fullback. So, for some of our linebackers to read a two-back set, it's almost impossible. They've never done it."

It turns into something of a fire drill at times.

"To try to get 42 or 44 new faces on the same page, understanding the snap count and getting the center-quarterback exchange can be challenging," he said.

But the players did as well as can be expected, Gruden said. Perhaps that's because they've been here since a little after dawn prepping and installing a handful of plays.

Here are some of the guys who are hoping to see their dreams fulfilled this weekend, even if they are all considered long shots:

DE Tommy Blake, TCU
DT Chris Bradwell, Troy
DE Daniel Brooks, Jackson State
K Art Carmody, Louisville
T Jared Carnes, USF
G Jackie Claude, Florida State
LB Derrick Doggett, Oregon State
WR Wes Doyle, San Diego
CB Bryan Flowers, Jacksonville
DE Vegas Franklin, Miami
CB Byron Garvin, Kansas State
RB Lavarius Giles, Jackson State
K Chris Gould, Virginia
T, Floyd Headen, West Texas State
WR Bruce Hocker, Duquesne
S Anthony Houlis, Florida State
WR Amari Jackson, USF
CB Brandon Jackson, Georgia Southern
S Kyle Jackson, Florida State
FB Langston Johnson, Yale
LB Adam Kadela, Northwestern
QB Sam Keller, Nebraska
T Adam Kieft, Central Michigan
TE Gerard Landry, Southern
TE Jon Loyte, Boston College
LB, Ron McCullough, Bethune-Cookman
LB Corey McKeon, Nebraska
DT Tywain Miles, Tarleton State
DT Alphonso Moran, Kansas State
WR Derrick Richards, Utah
C John Rochford, Miami
CB Junior Rosegreen, Auburn
LS Garrison Sanborn, Florida State
G Pat Schwenke, West Texas A&M
RB Clifton Smith, Fresno State
LB Gian Villante, Hofstra
OL Walter Walker, USF
FB  Stan White, Ohio State

[Daniel Wallace, Times]

Former Buc sentenced to five years for robbery

Former Bucs and UCF wide receiver Charles Lee, accused of robbing a UCF student at gunpoint, will spend the next five years in prison after pleading guilty to robbery on Thursday, according to WFTV Channel 9 in Orlando.

Lee was arrested December 5, 2007, a week after he held up two students at Pegasus Landing, an off-campus student housing complex near UCF. Lee stole more than $11,000 in cash from his victims at gunpoint.

Five rookie free agents signed

The Bucs have announced their rookie free agents who will be partaking in this weekend's rookie camp, beginning this afternoon at One Buc Place.

There will be a host of others participating, but the remaining players are likely on tryout contracts, meaning they'll have to make quite an impression to stick around beyond Sunday.

Here are those signed to official contracts:

* OT Chris Clark, Southern Miss, 6-5, 290

* S/CB Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee, 5-8, 190

* CB Elbert Mack, Troy, 5-10, 168

* FB Carl Stewart, Auburn, 6-1, 230

* TE Tyrice Thompson, Arizona State, 6-5, 220

Bucs looking at blitzing?

If you've watched the Bucs' defense for any length of time, you probably know not to expect much (if any) blitzing from defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

I get the sense it's not his favorite thing and, truth be told, it may or may not work so well within the Tampa 2 scheme.

But I'm starting to get the feeling Tampa Bay is looking at some ways to implement some more blitz packages into its system. There have been bits and pieces of conversations this offseason with Kiffin and others that lead me to believe this. And when Jon Gruden mentioned the possibility during the draft on Saturday, I really started to pay attention.

After drafting Aqib Talib and in trying to convey the current strength of the secondary, Gruden said, "We do have the ability now, I think, in the secondary to mix up coverages if we choose to blitz a little bit more -- which is a big part of the National Football League these days. It's good to have some ball-hawking guys back there that can cover man-to-man and instinctively play the football when it's in flight."

It's an important point. If the Bucs are to mix in some blitz, they'll have to play something that at least resembles man-to-man coverage against receivers. Most times, it's linebackers (and sometimes safeties) that do the blitzing. So, if you were to send a linebacker or two, you would not have them available in pass coverage, as is customary in the Bucs' zone defense.

Something that can't be underestimated here is the impression other team's blitzes have made on Gruden. He went on and on before and after January's playoff game about the Giants' blitzes, almost lustfully. Hard to blame him considering how effective New York was in using them.

Now that I'm putting all this together, I guess it's a question I need to ask a little more directly when the opportunity arises. But there was definitely some experimentation underway in the secondary last season with a variety of other coverages. And Kiffin himself has told me that even though their scheme is effective, they are constantly trying to find ways to tweak it to be a little less predictable.

One way to do that would be to throw something new into the mix -- like a little more blitz.

An interesting tryout prospect

Another one of the players who will work out with the Bucs this weekend is former Fresno State running back Clifton Smith.

Smith led the Bulldogs last season in all-purpose yards with 1,367 -- 317 of those coming on punt returns. That last part is perhaps why the Bucs want to take a look at the 5-8, 190-pound Fresno native who averaged 105.2 all-purpose yards per game. As a running back, he rushed for 654 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. And he was productive as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 33 passes for 352 yards.

I'm told we might get a complete list of the camp participants by late this afternoon. If so, we'll pass it along because I know the suspense is killing you!

More rookie camp prospects

Among the rookie camp prospects the Bucs will take a look at this weekend is a player Florida State fans will be familiar with: Troy defensive tackle Chris Bradwell. Bradwell (left) was dismissed from FSU in 2005 after a marijuana arrest but finished his career at Troy, where he registered four sacks and eight tackles for loss in 2007.

He'll be joined by Troy teammate Elbert Mack, a cornerback who played opposite Leodis McKelvin, drafted 11th overall by the Bills. Mack took advantage of the opportunities that resulted from McKelvin's presence, snatching eight interceptions last season, tied for most in the nation.

Another prospect who will be in the rookie camp is Boston College tight end Jon Loyte, who was primarily a blocker but caught 13 passes for 135 yards.

[Time files]

Blake gets tryout with the Bucs

Tommy Blake, a former preseason All America defensive end from Texas Christian, will visit the Bucs for a workout this week and could participate in the rookie minicamp.

Blake, 23, suffered from clinical depression and social anxiety disorder that kept him out of five games numerous practices his senior year and likely prevented him from being drafted. The 6-foot-3 Blake weighed 281 pounds at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in February -- 26 pounds more than his standout junior season. But it was seven pounds less than he weighed at the East-West Shrine game a month earlier.

"He's battled it,'' one scout said.

As a junior, Blake recorded 54 tackles, including seven sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss. He will be someone to watch closely if he makes to the weekend.

 

 

Talib on offense? Don't bet on it

The more I learn about Aqib Talib, the more I like the guy.

I knew all about his abilities as a cornerback. Those are indisputable. But one thing that was not widely-known is his knack for making plays as a receiver. When you consider that half the eight passes he caught in 2007 went for touchdowns, you have to come away with the impression that he has some rare offensive skills.

But while you might think it's a no-brainer to try him on offense here in Tampa Bay, I think it's a little premature to expect it. For one, learning the Bucs' offense is a full-time job, and Talib will have his hands full just learning the intricacies of the Tampa 2 defense plus the variety of other coverages you should expect to see from the Bucs in 2008. There won't be much time to spend in the receivers meeting room between it all.

Another reason it seems like a long shot: we've heard this before. Jon Gruden said multiple times during training camp in 2007 that he would experiment with shifty cornerback Phillip Buchanon on offense. While Buchanon did get a chance to help on special teams, he never lined up at receiver, if my memory serves me correctly.

So, I'm not sure we'll get to see Talib play offense, though it sure would make a heck of a story if anything ever comes of this. Watching highlights of the guy as a receiver is almost breathtaking (you HAVE to scroll down to my previous post of Talib's YouTube clip at 9:26 a.m. It truly is must-see TV). Based on what little I've seen, the Bucs don't have a single player in their receiving corps with the pure athletic ability he displays. Not even close. Maybe there's a way Gruden can involve him in the occasional gimmick play or two.

Whatever the Bucs ultimately decide, it would seem almost a waste to not get something out of all that potential. Besides, I think we all agree that we wouldn't mind seeing some offensive fireworks around here -- for a change.

Talib: 'It's a dream come true'

Aqib Talib was introduced Monday as the Bucs first round pick. If first impressions count for anything, he's an easy guy to like.

Aside from his obvious size and speed, Talib brings energy to the room.

The Kansas cornerback was asked about the origin of his name, a discussion that produced a zinger from Jon Gruden.

"It's a Muslim name," Talib said. "I know my first name means, 'the last to come.' I'm the youngest of four kids so my first name means the last to come. My last name means ... I don't know."

"His name means 'good corner,' I hope," Gruden deadpanned.

The first thing you notice about Talib is his size. He's 6-foot-1, 206 pounds with long arms and big hands. And check out the link on our website to a video of his touchdown against Tulsa, when he somersaults more than 5-yards into the end zone.

Talib arrived in Tampa Sunday night after a long delay at the DFW airport. When Aqib was an eighth-grader, his older brother pushed for a move to Texas from New Jersey to help with their respective football careers.

We'll obviously write a lot more about Talib in tomorrow's edition, including how he has learned to deal with testing positive for marijuana three times at Kansas. Talib has dealt with the issue head on and appears to have put all that behind him.

"It's just wonderful," Talib said. "It's a dream come true for me. It's an honor to be able to start my NFL career with this team, with this defense, to have a chance to be around Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks and guys like that. It's an honor for me. I'm excited to be a Buccaneer."

"It's been all smiles for me. I'm excited. I don't need no sleep, I don't need nothing. It's a dream come true. I don't want to wake up."

[Photo by Carrie Pratt, Times]

Meet Cory Boyd

Running back S.C., 6-1, 213 Round 7, 238th pick
Highlights/stats
Racked up 2,267 yards rushing and 1,303 receiving, joining Stanley Pritchett as the only Gamecocks to surpass 1,000 in both. … Was a bright spot in a struggling offense, rushing for 17 touchdowns over his final two seasons.
THE VERDICT
Boyd is a physical, inside runner and solid receiver out of the backfield. Far from flashy, he doesn’t have that high-end speed (4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash) but is hard to bring down. He bounced back from a one-year suspension in 2005 to start 24 consecutive games for coach Steve Spurrier. General manager Bruce Allen said he likes Boyd’s production.

(AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

Meet Geno Hayes

Linebacker FSU, 6-1, 226 Round 6, 175th pick
Highlights/stats
Finished 2007 with 80 tackles, second-most for FSU, and his career with 156 in 35 games (21 starts). … Scored two touchdowns, on a punt block and 38-yard interception return. … Played same position and wore same number as former Seminole Derrick Brooks.
THE VERDICT
His stock was hurt dramatically by character concerns stemming from a nightclub altercation with police that resulted in three charges. Hayes met the terms of a pretrial diversion program this year to resolve the matter. Linebacker is, arguably, the Bucs’ deepest unit. But Hayes could make the team through special teams.

(Times photo -- Scott Keeler. Click to enlarge.)

Meet Josh Johnson

Quarterback San Diego, 6-3, 198 Round 5, 160
Highlights/stats
Dominated the competition at I-AA San Diego, which doesn’t offer scholarships. … Passed for 9,699 yards with 113 touchdowns. … As a senior, threw 43 touchdowns and one interception. … Named most valuable player of the East-West Shrine game.
THE VERDICT
The Bucs have the luxury of developing Johnson for the future. He won’t play right away, but he also won’t be confused by the lengthy terminology of the West Coast offense, having played in a similar system under former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Johnson has the arm and athletic ability to be an NFL starter.

(AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

Meet Dre Moore

Defensive tackle Maryland, 6-4, 305 Round 4, 115th pick
Highlights/stats
2007’s six sacks were the most by a Terp since Shawne Merriman’s 81/2 in 2004. … Had a career-high 10 tackles and two sacks Oct. 20 against Virginia while lined up against Branden Albert, who went 15th overall to the Chiefs.
THE VERDICT
Moore is still a raw talent, having begun playing varsity football only in his senior year of high school. He is a rare athlete for his position, a quality that means Moore is probably better-suited to play the more critical under tackle position. Jovan Haye currently starts there, but the Bucs want increased competition and an improved pass rush from the interior of the line.

(AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

Meet Jeremy Zuttah

Guard/Tackle Rutgers, 6-4, 303, Round 3, 83rd pick
Highlights/stats
Four-year starter anchored the offensive line with 28 straight starts at right tackle. … Did not allow a sack as Scarlet Knights ranked second in I-A in 2007 and first in 2006 in sacks allowed. … Went 698 pass plays without allowing a sack.
THE VERDICT
The Bucs have invested a lot of high draft picks in the offensive line in the past three seasons. They came within one choice in the first round of taking Pittsburgh left tackle Jeff Otah, who went 19th to Carolina. Zuttah is solid and can be a swing guy who can play guard or tackle. Eventually, the Bucs could move Jeremy Trueblood to left tackle, his natural position at Boston College, and play Zuttah at right tackle.

(AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

Aqib Talib highlights

Wondering what in the world the Bucs have in Aqib Talib?

Click on this Youtube link and you'll find that he's not only a pretty good cornerback but also a gymnast. His 5-yard somersault is rather impressive. There are a few more highlights of him as well on the right-hand column if you're interested.

We'll hear more from him shortly as he is preparing for a 10 a.m. press conference at One Buc Place.

Three USF prospects to get tryouts

Three of the prospects who will join the Bucs on tryout contracts during next weekend's rookie minicamp will have local ties.

USF beat writer Greg Auman tells us Bulls receiver Amarri Jackson and offensive tackles Jared Carnes and Walt Walker will attend the camp on a tryout basis. That is different from official rookie free agent deals, though tryout players are sometimes offered contract. The Bucs will be limited in the number of rookie free agents they can sign because their roster is near capacity. There likely will be a roster move or two in the coming days to make some room.

We'll let you know what other moves come down the pike when we learn about them.

Trueblood to left tackle? Maybe

We'd heard a while back that there had been thought of moving Jeremy Trueblood back to left tackle, where he played at Boston College. Now, Jon Gruden confirms it, though nothing is imminent.

The situation at left tackle is a little tenuous given the fact Luke Petitgout is coming off season-ending knee surgery and backup Donald Penn doesn't have a long track record for the Bucs to rely on.

"There's been some talk of that," Gruden revealed. "He is very comfortable over there. At this point in time, we're pretty excited about the return of (left tackle) Luke Petitgout and Donald Penn is a young guy who did some good things."

We bring this up because several possibilities seem to be on the table along the offensive line, including an outside chance third-round pick Jeremy Zuttah gets a crack at right tackle. His selection in the third round is rather high for a player who no one projects as a potential starter. Our guess is the Bucs think he can be an impact player. At worst, he'll be a major-league backup at guard and, Gruden said, probably center.

Bucs will have to send a QB or two packing

The drafting of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson in the fifth round means the Bucs will have to part with at least a veteran passer or two.

For the first time Sunday, coach Jon Gruden admitted the obvious. The Bucs will have to say good-bye to some quarterbacks. Although he did not elaborate, the most likely candidates to be traded or released are Chris Simms and Bruce Gradkowski.

   Including Jake Plummer, the Bucs own the rights to seven QBs -- Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Simms, Gradkowski, Luke McCown and Johnson.

   "No, we won't take six (to training camp),'' Gruden said. "There will be obvious decisions that will be made. There's been a lot of people saying we have six quarterbacks. I haven't seen (Jake) Plummer yet and Chris unfortunately hasn't played the last couple years. So we have had a tremendous amount of injury. We're not like some of these teams that have enjoyed the good fortune of having the same starter for five, six, eight, 12, 15 seasons. We've had three different starters play I think in four of the last five seasons.

   "Here in Tampa, we have a different perspective on the position. But we do have a Pro Bowl returner at quarterback and we're really excited about Garcia. We think Griese has proven he can play here. Luke McCown came on last year and did some good things. So here comes a youngster in here. We're going to have I don't know how many quarterbacks.''

   General manager Bruce Allen said the Bucs plan to take five quarterbacks to training camp.