Garcia eager for minicamp

The Bucs wrapped up their 14th and final Organized Team Activity (OTA) on Thursday, with next week's three-day minicamp providing the big finish for the team's offseason program. Veteran free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia, given the early nod last week by coach Jon Gruden in the competition for the starting job, continues to work on the nuances of the playbook, specifically the copious shifts, movements and terminology. He hopes to be comfortble by the start of training camp in late July. Until then, he feels a bit restricted in his ability to be a fiery leader in the huddle because he's so busy making sure his tongue doesn't get twisted. Next week's minicamp is a great opportunity to work toward that goal.

"I want to come out here and be clear-headed, to be able process the information much faster," Garcia said. "I feel like an old computer right now. It just isn't processing fast enough. But it's getting there. I just need to speed it up. That's one thing I want to get done out here at minicamp. I want to be effective, continue to be effective with the football, continue to be accurate, eliminate mistakes, eliminate turnovers. And I want to step into the huddle with enthusiasm. I think because I'm thinking so much right now, it takes away from my personality and what I bring to the field as far as the fight, the intensity, the emotion. I want to get to that point where I can step into the huddle, rally these guys, get them excited, get up to the line of scrimmage and run the play."

Though Gruden endorsed Garcia last week, he was reluctant to name leaders in the clubhouse at any other position. He did say competition is close at positions such as center and receiver, as well as the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary.

Comments

[Leo James]

It's early yet but I like how we're managing this off-season. You factor the people we've brought in along with the flop-flop of us playing the last and the Saints playing the first place schedule in 2007 and I think we're in a position to make a run for the NFC South.

[Ian Hough]

Howdy-doody, sports fans??? I hope your boss is treating you well, and the price of Bucs tickets isn't killing you, cos we're gonna have a great season ahead, I can feel it n my bones and know something special is coming down the Interstate. Enjoy!!!