Muck Boy
November 26th, 2010
A few weeks ago only the most devout, hardcore face-painters had ever heard of James Lee, short of the Georgia Bulldogs crowd and Mark Richt. Now, if some speculation is accurate, Lee could become the full-time starter at right tackle where he has played so well in his few starts with the Bucs.
Lee came from a very humble background. He’s from Muck City, Belle Glades where the only thing to do is play football and run down rabbits.
Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune had a sit down with Lee who explained the tough road he took to get to the NFL and the Bucs.
Anwar: What was the biggest challenge of entering the league as an undrafted free agent?
James: The playbook. It was so big. The playbook at South Carolina State was so simple. It was real simple and we made it happen, but going into Cleveland, I was overwhelmed. I knew I could play, but it was just learning it and understanding. You are hesitant because you don’t want to go full speed because you don’t know.
Now Joe doesn’t know if Lee will succeed Jeremy Trueblood as the new starter for the future but things said behind the scenes are sure interesting. Joe just likes to read about guys who came from nothing, kept their noses clean and busted their tails to reach their dreams.
Says a whole lot about a man.
November 26th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
The Florida town is ‘Belle Glade’, no S.
November 26th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
He looks kinda like Simeon Rice in that pic. Maybe we can let him rush the passer on 3rd down.
November 26th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Lee got his opportunity the same way Donal Penn got his. He has played really well and is deserving of a starting role. Anyone who has driven through Belle Glade, knows humble beginnings is an understatement.
November 27th, 2010 at 7:53 am
Both starting tackles – undrafted free agents. And both playing great ball? Somebody is doing his homework on players at OneBuc!! Way to go Mark D!
November 27th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Right on Capt. Tim. I’m curious where they will find that key DE pass rusher some day. You know they will find him, but will it be a big splash or quietly the way they found these tackles.
November 27th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Pete422- ya know, I watched Alex Magee last week, in his first real action. And – he got a sack. Also looked disruptive a few other plays. And he is a BIG Guy for a DE- right at 300lbs! But honestly DL seems to always take two to three years before they ” show up outta no where!. Still haven’t given up on the Crowder,Moore,Bennett trio. Each has shown signs that he may grow into a capable, meybe even good, DE. Probably find one outta those three. Even if we draft a great DE, still a couple years out. And most teams don’t let great pass rushers become free agents. You hang on to QBs, LTs,DEs, and CBs in this league, cause you can’t replace them easily!
November 27th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Capt Tim: I had the same thoughts as I watched Magee last week. You are right, it takes a few years to develop as a DL/DE. I grew up in Buffalo and remember watching the development of Bruce Smith. He was decent the first few years, but as we all know he became a beast.
If there is a DE in the draft the Bucs will go after him. I see a defensive draft in ’11, but if there is a stud offensive player available, take him.
November 27th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Weird- Bucs practicing this morning. Didn’t expect that!
November 27th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Sounds like a good idea. Practice this morning, get things together, fly to Baltimore, get settled, do a walk through & get all set for tomorrow.
November 27th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Yo, Capt. Tim
Everybody got a sack last week!
Why don’t we trade #65 to the Lightning?
November 27th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Football is BIG In Belle Glade! Lee is doing great, let him play. Mark Dominick is transforming Tampa with these pickups!
November 27th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
To the lightning, hmm? Well , he’d be the biggest enforcer in the league . I wouldn’t wanna see the big 6’8″ knothead skating at me! Lol