Demar Dotson Hungry For Dolphin
August 7th, 2012
Joe got a chance to chat briefly with Bucs reserve offensive lineman Demar Dotson after practice today. The sign of a reserve playing well is when he fills in for an injured starter, and there isn’t much of a noticeable drop off. That’s exactly what Dotson has done in training camp as Donald Penn recovers from a minor leg injury.
Dotson talked about how he is sick of practice already; how he has benefited from playing next to Carl Nicks, and how Jermon Bushrod has indirectly helped him.
Looking forward to Friday’s game at Miami?
We have been beating up on each other all camp. We are tired; we are hurting; we are mad; frustration is setting in. We are looking forward to seeing another color jersey so we can go at it.
What are you looking to accomplish?
Just getting better. Going up against Cameron Wake, a Pro Bowler, defensive end, doing my job and winning the battle.
How has playing next to Carl Nicks helped you?
He helps a lot, he’s a Pro Bowl guard. He teaches me a lot. He teaches me what he is doing in New Orleans and what he learned from [Jermon Bushrod] another Pro Bowl left tackle in New Orleans. He teaches me a lot. He teaches me how to set and play in the game. He has been huge for me, there’s no doubt about it.
Has Nicks showed you his nastiness yet?
Oh, that’s a habit I have myself. You can’t make a man be nasty. You either have it or you don’t. Oh, I’ve got it.
August 7th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Now this is one BIG man! If he picks this thing up, and playing behind Pro Bowler Donald Penn, and feeding on tips thrown by another Pro Bowler in Carl Nicks, there’s no way this man does NOT get better, and with his size and athleticism, you never know…..he could end up being a GREAT player one day, it’s all laid out for him, he just has to put it together, and I for one believe he will!
August 7th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
How is Dotson still on our team? He has been a project player for years, and I really don’t know about him playing if a tackle goes down. (Get healthy soon Penn)
August 7th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
It’s refreshing to hear that a veteran is helping the rookie learn his position. That’s the way it’s been done for decades, except for the last 2 years here in Tampa. Rookies gain much from veterans, especially pro Bowl caliber veterans. Hopefully Dominick has learned from his mistakes.
August 7th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Do you think that when Penn becomes healthy, Dotson could push Trueblood for the starting right tackle spot. Dotsons weakness is powerful bull rushes but he wont have to face as many of those on the right side, as left ends are normally more speed rushers. I think if Trueblood struggles in pass protection it might be worth a try to get Dotson some reps at starting RT if the situation calls for it.
August 8th, 2012 at 12:00 am
Aqib:
Interesting thought. Time will tell.