Bucs' Battle At Under Tackle Worth Watching

Published: Jun 21, 2007

TAMPA - Bucs fans planning a trip to Disney World to watch training camp might want to pack some extra sunscreen and consider finding a seat near the complex's far field.

That's where the defense usually works out, and that's where the best position battle of this year's camp likely will take place.

With five players vying for playing time and a leader undetermined, the battle for the starter's job at under tackle is shaping up as perhaps the most intriguing of camp.

"Oh, that's going to be a good battle, all right," Bucs defensive line coach Larry Coyer said. "We've got four or five bodies there right now, and they're all good. They're all very talented."

The best known members of that group are newcomer Kevin Carter and holdover Ellis Wyms. Darrell Campbell, Jovan Haye and rookie Greg Peterson are the least known, but they are earning plenty of recognition.

In fact, Haye and Campbell have emerged as two of the darlings of the offseason workout program. Coyer has been gushing about them for weeks, and Haye has clearly caught Coach Jon Gruden's eye.

"Jovan Haye's had a very good camp," Gruden said of the former defensive end. "So yeah, it's going to be competitive there. We're looking for somebody to make it obvious to all of us that he is the Bucs' [under tackle] for the '07 season."

MANY HAPPY RETURNS: The number stands (wince) at 1,825. That is the number of kickoffs the Bucs have returned throughout their history, and, as we all know, the number of those returned for touchdowns is zero.

Sooner or later that ignominious streak is going to be snapped, and some of the players who may be given a chance to do it this year may surprise you.

During workouts at Raymond James Stadium on Wednesday, WR David Boston and RB Cadillac Williams were among those returning kicks, and WR Michael Clayton was among the upbacks lining up in front of the goal line.

Mark Jones and Michael Pittman remain the most likely to earn the kick return duties, but Wednesday's workout was an indication the Bucs will try just about anybody with speed and mobility in that spot.

"I wouldn't say [we'll use] anybody, but we do have some candidates," Gruden said. "You saw some of them [Wednesday]. We're going to try to get somebody back there who can do something with the ball and make a big play."

CATCH THIS: Williams appears to be making some significant strides in his attempt to earn the right to stay on the field on third down.

Usually replaced by Pittman for that critical down, Williams has improved his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield to the point he is earning some plaudits from his coaches.

"He's done a heck of a job there," Gruden said. "He had over 30 catches last year, and he's a guy who's really worked at that craft.

"He made a couple nice catches away from his body [Wednesday]. He could be a real force out there on the perimeter as a pass receiver and down the field. His versatility as a pass receiver has really gotten better."

BUCS BITS: CB Brian Kelly's return to action didn't last long. Kelly, who missed most of last season because of a turf toe injury, was out of action one day after returning to the field on Tuesday. Kelly's absence was because of a knee bruise he suffered during a collision in Tuesday's afternoon workout. The bruise is not to the toe that gave him so much trouble last year. He is listed as day-to-day. … The Bucs made their annual offseason bowling trip after Wednesday morning's workout. The bowling outing has been a staple of Gruden's offseason program since he took over as coach in 2002. … The Bucs will wrap up their offseason program with a morning workout today at One Buc Place. After that, they will be off until July 26, when they are scheduled to report to training camp.

Roy Cummings