Absent … But Totally Plugged In
June 9th, 2021
Great stuff today from Lavonte David
Joe got a very interesting answer from iconic Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David this afternoon.
Joe asked David to pick one young player that has impressed him through two days of mandatory minicamp, the first two days of practice for David this spring.
Remember, David, who always used to show up for voluntary practices, joined other veteran defensive players in skipping those sessions.
David raved about Bucs rookie linebackers K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard, but he explained that his impressions went back to the spring OTA practices.
“You know, I was watching them when they was in OTAs; Coach [got me] the film and stuff,” David said. “So I was able to watch. I like their effort. They’re out there communicating; that’s real big for the linebacker position. And they got that will to learn. I’m happy about that.”
Now that’s leadership. David getting OTA film from the coaching staff and studying it on, say, a hot May afternoon. Impressive!
Joe followed up with David to ask how awkward it might have been this season for him to sit out OTAs, but then request the practice film and study it.
“(Laughs) I mean, it was different, obviously, not being there but being able to still like be involved with practice. ” David replied, adding that he felt part of the play installs.
“It was really a smooth transition,” David continued, noting his position coach and Todd Bowles were always available for questions.
David added that Joe Tryon looked “really solid” and he praised this week’s practice work by defensive linemen Khalil Davis and Benning Potoa’e.
June 9th, 2021 at 6:55 pm
Please let Khalil be another Licht diamond!
June 9th, 2021 at 7:20 pm
Team is gonna be so fun to watch. They know how to win now
June 9th, 2021 at 7:21 pm
I think the Bucs have very solid depth all over, Davis and Potoa’e being 2. I also fear there will be no hiding guys on the PS.
Davis, Potoa’e and the UDFA G Hutchinson all are guys I would love to see stick but I think if put on the PS all 3 get scooped up.
June 9th, 2021 at 9:10 pm
Future Head Coach at Nebraska.
June 10th, 2021 at 12:38 am
I just read the Bucs upgraded Special Teams. This could be a very dominant team.
June 10th, 2021 at 5:48 am
What defensive player wouldn’t want to play in an aggressive, attacking defense?!
We have some nice depth if these young guys develop.
It’s nice to see veteran leadership step up.
June 10th, 2021 at 9:35 am
What impresses me most is the integration of coaches and players. It’s not just coaches preaching down to the players. It’s a total team effort and the players, particularly the veterans, feel like they are part of the system. This organization has never seemed this organized and focused. Nice payback for all the down years fans have been through.
June 10th, 2021 at 1:43 pm
Right on!, PSL Bob.
June 10th, 2021 at 3:50 pm
The Tom Brady of the defense.