Geno Hayes: Budding Bucs Star
January 26th, 2010
In a question-and-answer session on TBO.com, a Bucs fan suggested to Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune that there are three positions the Bucs need not worry about for years on defense: Outside linebacker, weak safety and one cornerback position.
That’s because Geno Hayes, Tanard Jackson and Aqib Talib man those positions.
Richardson went on to claim the trio is a good foundation for the Bucs defense.
Q: As all Buc fans should agree, the defensive side of the ball is where our true passion and focus lies for the success of this team. As the roster stands now, which players do you feel have cemented their names as key members for the future of this team? Personally, I feel Geno Hayes, Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson should hold down their positions for our next Super Bowl run. What are your thoughts?
Frank Stazzone, Long Island, NY
A: Next Super Bowl run? Frank, nobody can ever accuse you of not being optimistic. I agree with you 100 percent about Tampa Bay’s future defensive standouts. Geno Hayes, Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson are guys who should be here for a while. These are young guys with a ton of potential. I think the Bucs have to re-sign Barrett Ruud because he’s a good starting middle linebacker who understands this defense. After those guys, the Bucs really need to reevaluate their defense and determine which guys are truly NFL starters and which are backups at best.
Anwar Richardson
Joe believes that Jackson may be the most underrated safety in the game. Joe also is eager to see Hayes play next season and has a hunch 2010 could be a breakout year for him.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
It’s a bit scary that 2 out of the 3 you always have to hold your breath about being suspended. Hayes was really coming on the last few games. I definitely see Pro Bowls in his future. I still hope we can get 1 of the 2 standout DL in the draft.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I’m excited about Hayes, but I sure wish he’d pack on 10 lbs of muscle this offseason. That’s no easy task when your already in great shape, but at 225lbs, I think Geno can only be so effective. Let’s all hope he hits the weight room hard this offseason.
I also wonder about his life outside of football. Don’t forget it was just last year that he was stabbed in the head and nech by his girl friend. His story could have ended there, much like Chris Henry. My question is, does Geno still hang around knuckle heads or has he surrounded himself with better people? I sure hope it’s the latter.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Completely forgot about that story. Now I have to worry about all 3!