Impressed rookie

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the Bucs planned to have their Tuesday night reunion walk-through in the not-yet-finished indoor practice facility at One Buc Palace.

Those plans got scrapped at the last minute, Joe learned, but it was evidence of just how much Dirk Koetter can’t wait to get in there. It’s as if Koetter views it as another weapon the never-ending effort to gain an edge.

The Bucs got in to the facility for the first time this week, and rookie first-round pick O.J. Howard was impressed. It was far bigger than what he enjoyed at the University of Alabama, which may be one of the most well-funded football programs in the nation.

“It’s real big, nice. I would just say I looked up at the top and it’s a lot of room to kick. It’s very tall. I think that’s very impressive.” said Howard, adding that there was no real kicking in Alabama’s facility, where a net was used.

Figure on the Bucs working in their regularly in October. Joe suspects they’ll still practice on grass at least the one day (or less) per week the team practices in pads. A specific week’s opponent and location likely will play a role.

Also, given how sensitive Koetter is to his team’s psyche, he no doubt be studying how they practice and react indoors versus outdoors.