Reborn Luke Stocker
September 7th, 2014
When fan favorite tight end Luke Stocker arrived to training camp, many Bucs fans were counting the days before he was released. Stocker was loathed by Bucs fans not so much for the fact he was always hurt, but he had the misfortune of being drafted by former Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik.
And, as is well known from these irrational folks, if Dominik drafted you, then you were a bum.
Stocker never lived up to expectations mostly because he could not stay healthy. That hasn’t been the case this summer; he even started the Bucs’ first home preseason game.
Though Stocker was clearly regarded as the No. 4 tight end, he was blessed by coaches when fellow tight end Tim Wright was traded.
Now, Stocker can’t wait for the new season to start, just like Bucs fans.
“This is always an exciting time of the year,” Stocker said. “Definitely the energy we have in the building right now, lot of new faces, new coaching staff, lot of new players, lot of expectations we have for ourselves as a team. We’re really excited to get on the field and show that our hard work paid off.
“I think I had a strong training camp, looking forward going to the season healthy after having a full training camp under my belt.”
In a sense, Stocker has found new life. He’s healthy. He has good coaches for a change. He seems wanted.
If he can pull down a few passes and help the Bucs move the chains on scoring drives, then perhaps the haters will calm down and give Stocker a break, no matter who drafted him.
To hear more of Stocker, click the red button below. Audio courtesy of Joe’s friends at WDAE-AM 620.
largely because
September 7th, 2014 at 6:36 am
He’ll be injured by the end of the month….
September 7th, 2014 at 6:56 am
I just don’t know. It feels like another Carl Nicks situation, just keeping the guy around for the potential that he might actually contribute on the playing field one day. I think we are going to need good TE play to be successful.
On another note, very excited this first regular season game has finally arrived after a long wait. I don’t think I would be this optimistic if the Schiano staff was still running this team. L&L, we are counting on you to take the Bucs to the promise land!
Go Bucs.
September 7th, 2014 at 6:59 am
Luke is sort of like a rookie/veteran……not much mileage on the guy….if he stays healthy he could surprise us!!!
All starts today.
I am stoked….I have been coming down from NC since I left Tampa…..I am 16-2 and will see the first two home games…..plan to return 18-2……
September 7th, 2014 at 7:16 am
What part of NC TBBF? I’m in Chapel Hill. Plan on going to the game in Charlotte in December. Wanted to head to Tampa but couldn’t get the days off. So ready for this game! We finally get to see the team in full force! Hoping we smack the Kitties around a bit. And on this topic. I hope Luke does shock us…. Would be nice if he he turns heads like the original plan for him. I could go on, but let’s watch our boys win today!
September 7th, 2014 at 7:17 am
“Luke Stocker came out in the draft, and we had a second round grade on him.”
Mark Dominick
The irrational bloggers won’t give Dominick the credit he is so due. 🙂
Go Bucs!
September 7th, 2014 at 7:52 am
If you would have told me in April that Bowers And Stocker make the final 53 I would have told you you’re nuts. I now realize the only reasons they’re on the team is to fill roles and they are cheap. Stocker is big and has developed into a nice blocker. Dominick drafted him to be a pass catcher as well but he was wrong as usual. Bowers role is to spell the starters from the DT spot because he is too slow to rush from the edge which is what Dom drafted him to do. Again Dom was wrong. So no I will not give Dom credit for wasting high draft picks on role players that will be cut once their rookie contracts expire.
September 7th, 2014 at 7:54 am
I hate to be negative on Bucs Sunday but when I hear the words Rock Star Dominick I get a little irritated..thanks Joe.
September 7th, 2014 at 8:22 am
All I want to see are pass plays that extend past the first down marker. For example, if it is 3rd and 5, we actually pass the ball 5+yards down the field.
September 7th, 2014 at 8:25 am
Hopefully he can contribute and help us win some games. I had high expectations for him a few years ago but so far he has not shown much.
September 7th, 2014 at 8:47 am
L&L like Stocker’s chemistry with the bench. Stocker gets hurt against Carolina out 4-6 weeks. Rinse and repeat.
September 7th, 2014 at 9:06 am
This is exactly the kind of guy the Bucs need on their team. Stocker never gave up, had a strong camp and looks the part running people over.
Hope he lays out a few stinking Panthers today.
September 7th, 2014 at 9:31 am
Funny how you blame the fans for hating him when you are the one writing negative stories about him for the past few years. It was you Joe that says he is good for nothing and can’t stay healthy. Don’t blame us fans for what you started.
September 7th, 2014 at 10:08 am
Stocker is a beast if he stays healthy. A totally dominant blocker and serviceable in the passing game. Go bucs
September 7th, 2014 at 10:14 am
Tim Wright’s stats will be triple Stockers, at least. Maybe even 10 times better. Stocker is an in-game bust, we all know this. But he can block so…
September 7th, 2014 at 10:25 am
Dominick had a lot of hits during his tenure.
Miles better than his predecessor Bruce IMO.
Who did Bruce draft that panned out. Hell,
McKay didn’t draft Lynch, Sapp or Barber…just sayin’
September 7th, 2014 at 10:47 am
@Scorty in Fat Antonio
I completely agree! That was one of the many things that ticked me off last year!!
September 7th, 2014 at 11:24 am
Stats. One catch. 8 blocks
September 7th, 2014 at 11:25 am
Go bucs!
September 7th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Well the TE we cut to keep him is already off the market, so I hope he does well.
This should be his last year to prove himself though.