If Bucs 2009 first round draft pick, quarterback Josh Freeman, is jealous that he wasn’t named the starter this week after Byron Leftwich was demoted to No. 3, well, Freeman doesn’t seem to be showing it.

In talking with eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune, Freeman seems to be saying he will be current starting quarterback Josh Johnson’s biggest fan.

The strapping rookie from Kansas State may be Tampa Bay’s quarterback of the future, but Sunday marks Johnson’s opportunity to prove he can succeed at the pro level.

“Josh has been preparing for this his whole career,” Freeman said. “I’m expecting big things out of him Sunday. All I can do is to be supportive. Josh willl do great this weekend. All I can do is come to practice every day and give my best. Week in and week out, I feel myself growing as a quarterback in this offense.”

If Freeman has to start this season — and Joe is very content with letting him sit for the season — Joe is crossing his fingers hoping Freeman doesn’t start until after the bye week.