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Bucs’ First Minicamp Under Morris Opens Tuesday

Posted Mar 30, 2009 by Anwar S. Richardson

Updated Mar 30, 2009 at 09:18 AM

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will continue preparing for this season with a three-day minicamp that begins Tuesday at the team’s practice complex.

The camp is voluntary and not open to the public, but players will work with their new coaches as plays and schemes are installed.

“It’s another opportunity to be around your team,” said Raheem Morris, who was promoted to head coach Jan. 17. “When you get in our building, it’s just got a nice bounce to it. It always has, but right now it has a nice feel. I can’t wait to get it going.”

Players began their offseason workout programs March 16, and coaches have been very demanding. As Morris tries to implement more team toughness, offseason workouts have been more intense than in previous years. Minicamp should have that same fire. 

“In order to get your team to be a violent team, you have to practice a little bit violent,” Morris said. “In order to get your team physical, you have to practice physical. It’ll be easy for some because some guys like that. It’ll be hard for others.

“The only way you finish strong in this league is if you make yourself miserable early. You learn to love to be miserable. It’s going to be a three-day thing. It’ll be a fundamental skills session in the morning and in the afternoon a little more teamwork. That’s the first two days. On the last day, we’ll get our work in and get them out of there. We’ve got to see what we have on our team and who we like.’’

Although all eyes will be on Tampa Bay quarterback Luke McCown. The first camp will also be big for recently acquired running back Derrick Ward and tight end Kellen Winslow, who are getting acquainted with their teammates.

Defensively, there will be a good competition between tackles Greg Peterson and Ryan Sims for playing time. In addition, it will be interesting to see how quickly linebackers Geno Hayes, Adam Hayward, Quincy Black, and even former safety Jermaine Phillips learn new coordinator Jim Bates’ defensive scheme.

“It’ll be great to see the guys back on the field,” Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. “This is a great time of year, when you start to feel you are getting some momentum building for the next season. It’s going to be exciting to see the way Raheem gets involved with our players as the head coach.’’

Tampa Bay’s next minicamp is in June and will be mandatory.