Lavonte David: “Stronger, Faster.”
July 29th, 2013
Regular readers of Joe remember he banged the drum loudly for the Bucs to draft linebacker Lavonte David well before the end of the 2011 college football season.
Joe would watch Nebraska games and see this guy, wearing No. 4, playing sideline-to-sideline football and knew he could help the Bucs out. Joe never dreamed David would be such a good rookie that people were beginning to whisper his name in the same sentence with Derrick Brooks, which previously would have been heresy.
David again was getting the job done today in practice, wreaking havoc in the backfield and, if sacks were allowed, would have bruised the ribs of Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman.
If Bucs fans think David was good last year, Bucs coach Greg Schiano hinted David is about to take yet another step forward.
“He’s stronger, faster,” Schiano said. “I think the world of him.”
As he should. Last year David racked up 112 solo tackles, which is just mind-blowing for a rookie in a passing division like the NFC South.
If David is indeed stronger and faster as Schiano suggests, we very well could be looking at the reincarnation of double-nickel, Mr. Derrick Brooks.
With the Bucs in pads for the second time in training camp, David took advantage by being physical against the Bucs’ offense.
The first couple of days in pads, you are trying to get the feel for [hitting],” David said. “I’m trying to get back in tune with it. You try to get it out of the way in training camp.”
Audio courtesy of WDAE-AM 620.
July 29th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
Lavonte aside from a healthy Revis just may be the best Buc defender. I can’t remember seeing anyone who covers the field like him.
And yes…..Buc Realist….this is another Dominick pick.
July 29th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Yeah…but has he been signed to a contract extension yet???
signed,
The_Buc_Realist
July 29th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
I know it can be tempting to compare the two, but I just dont see the need. Lavonte David is his own man and he doesnt need to be like Derrick Brooks. no one will ever be like Brooks, all David can hope for is to be the best player he can be and that will be good enough. they are separate players and should be treated as such.
July 29th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Strange how Schiano and crew show up and all a sudden The pop-star can find a player after the 4th round that could actually start for another NFL team. If the pop-star stays he better do as he is told and Schiano says he likes his coffee black Pop-star.
July 29th, 2013 at 2:21 pm
Realist…..lavonte was a 2nd rd pick. #58
July 29th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Realist…but I get your drift man….coaching , coaching , coaching
July 29th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
@the_bucs_realist
Lol the guy who hired Schiano, being bosses around by Schiano?
Thanks for the humor man, that was a nice joke.
July 29th, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Bossed*
July 29th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
the_buc_realist Says:
July 29th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Strange how Schiano and crew show up and all a sudden The pop-star can find a player after the 4th round that could actually start for another NFL team. If the pop-star stays he better do as he is told and Schiano says he likes his coffee black Pop-star.
SMH you are not a realist when you talk out of your @ss.
Mark Dominik choose the 2012 draft as Schiano was settling in and hiring coaches – https://www.joebucsfan.com/?p=83698 (thanks joe for the info!)
Also your an idiot, 4th round …. I want to do that ROFLMAO!!!!! that you pulled off during the Eric Wright trade, but I can’t insult your low level of intelligence as I would really be taking advantage of your low level brain function.
It helps to READ the articles before commenting and also knowing your team as a fan.
July 29th, 2013 at 3:59 pm
I might get slammed for even thinking this but… it’s not entirely impossible that this kid could be better than Brooks. Way to soon to start saying that but I think if he continues to progess it could be a real possibility.
July 29th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
I can’t get over how some people don’t like the Rock Star. The work he does with contracts and wheeling and dealing through the draft are amazing. Guess they think GM’s and QB’s grow on trees. Anyway back to David. Its this fans opinion that he is and will be the beat player on this team for many years to come. Not just defense
July 29th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
@Couch. I agree. It’ll definitely be a tough road, but there’s no reason with his work ethic and god given talent it can’t be at least a possibility.
July 29th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Brooks was the first guy I heard make the comparison.
July 30th, 2013 at 6:21 am
A “realist” would be observant enough to see that all GM’s make good and bad transactions. Bet the folks in Seattle aren’t too happy with theirs trading for Percy Harvin who has had attitude, injury and headache issues throughout his career. Injuries are the GM’s fault according to Realist.
July 30th, 2013 at 7:12 am
[…] SOUTH: Early reports out of Bucs training camp are that outside linebacker LaVonte David looks “stronger and faster” than he did in 2012. David ranked in our NFC South Top 20 players earlier this offseason and, if it […]