Bucs Are Training A New Center
November 24th, 2015
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter shared a newsy nugget last night on the Buccaneers Radio Network.
After a segment that included showering right tackle Gosder Cherilus and center Joe Hawley with intimate appreciation and love (“pure pros”), Koetter turned his attention to second-year offensive lineman Kevin Pamphile, the 2014 fifth-round pick.
Koetter praised Pamphile’s work at “Jumbo Tight End” and his ability at four of five line positions. Of course, those are the tackle and guard positions.
But Koetter added that O-line coach George Warhop is now “trying to train him to be able to play all five spots,” which means Pamphile is working at center.
Rookie stud right guard Ali Marpet also has been seen in practice working at center, and general manager Jason Licht said Marpet was a potential center when he was drafted. But perhaps the Bucs realize Marpet has Pro Bowl guard talent and shouldn’t be messed with.
November 24th, 2015 at 11:21 am
Glad to see Pamphile’s finally getting some opportunities, always believed he was one of those sleeper picks that needed time to flourish but when he did he would be a solid starter for years. It’s your time now to shine, go get it Kevin!
November 24th, 2015 at 11:58 am
Also always liked Pamphile….glad he is off the “milk carton”……we are developing a very deep versatile line…..great news!!!
November 24th, 2015 at 12:01 pm
where is dotson
November 24th, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Good stuff.
Nice to have Dot ready and available if anyone goes down.
November 24th, 2015 at 1:24 pm
Way back BEFORE THE DRAFT, I have Ali Marpet on my wish list and said that he would move to center at some point this season.
I also said that Evan Smith would move to Guard this season.
Looks like that may be the case.
I also predicted the last couple wins. Looks like I’m on a role 😉
November 24th, 2015 at 1:35 pm
@Bonzai:
Smith has NOT looked good at guard, unless you are grading for backup or reserve talent.
So, “Don’t get cocky, kid.”
(Hans Solo).
November 24th, 2015 at 1:58 pm
@Lou … “Smith has NOT looked good at guard”.
The Bucs rushing for almost 300 yds against a stout Eagles’ defense says otherwise. And remember, Evan Smith is the backup at guard, not the starter. He’d actually played very little guard before getting thrust into that position when Ali went down.
And Bonzai, I’m not sure if you’re “… on a role” or ‘on a ROLL’. I think I’d go with the latter. (Just teasin’ … Spellchecker drives me crazy).
November 24th, 2015 at 2:08 pm
I saw Marpet’s ability to play Center and also EDS’s ability to fill in at Guard, but I love our present Center and we need Marpet back at Guard as soon as he can play there. I see Pamphile as the best prospect to play LG whenever Mankin’s hangs it up and am fine with his adding versatility at Center as well. With Dotson back we have great backup potential for both Tackle positions. Our OL is finally solid again!!!
November 24th, 2015 at 4:12 pm
I would like to see marpet at center anchoring the oline with his aggressive and nasty play but I wouldn’t mind him staying a guard with pamphill replacing mankins…lovie has a few choices…I would love for him to play our 5 best linemen in, d.smith(lt) pamphill(lg) Hawley(center) marpet(rg) and Dotson(rt)…we would still have great depth with chelius and e.smith backing up the guard and tackle positions…I trust whatever decision lovie and his staff makes….GO BUCS!!!
November 24th, 2015 at 6:22 pm
aw!!! good times
November 24th, 2015 at 8:59 pm
Bonzai – your constant doubtmongering of Winston for months pre-draft has not been forgotten. So like Lou said – Don’t get cocky…
November 25th, 2015 at 5:24 am
good this is how the Patriots do it… versatility is key, anyone goes down, next man up and plug the gap wherever it is. EDS and KP have proven that works and even that Fragel guy did it well at one point in the season.