Hargreaves: “You Gotta Be The Craziest”
May 2nd, 2016
Sounds off on his desired role
The Bucs’ 2016 first-round draft pick, cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, is a man with very strong opinions.
Just ask him what kind of coverage style brings out his A-game. “Press-man. End of discussion,” Hargreaves said after getting drafted.
During a recent on-air chat with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620, Hargreaves was asked whether he planned to play special teams.
The question got the ex-Gators star all fired up.
“That’s mandatory. That’s mandatory. I gotta be on teams,” Hargreaves said. “I love special teams. I do.
“It’s freedom. You have freedom on special teams. You know, when you’re playing defense, you have a specific call and specific technique that you have to use. That doesn’t bother me, but when you get on special teams, you’re running full speed and you get to hit people. Ain’t no rules. There is some technique involved, but at the end of the day you got to be the fastest and you have to be the craziest and you have to cause havoc. That’s great. That’s football.”
Joe loves the attitude. This Hargreaves is no Myron Lewis or scaredy cat Dexter Jackson.
Hargreaves added that his favorite special teams spots are gunner on punt team and “jammer” on punt return.
Joe’s not sure the Bucs will let Hargreaves play special teams and risk injury in that role, but be sure Dirk Koetter will field that question on Friday when rookie minicamp kicks off.
Enjoy the Duemig-Hargreaves audio below.
May 2nd, 2016 at 7:36 pm
Dexter Jackson was a Super Bowl MVP and started on one of the best defenses in the history of the league…
Joe you might want to clarify what Dexter Jackson you’re talking about, I’m assuming you mean the WR Dexter Jackson, who I almost completely forgot ever existed.
May 2nd, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Real Bucs fans know EXACTLY who Joe is talking about… Carry on sir.
May 2nd, 2016 at 7:43 pm
Love it! Hargreaves, Kwon, Grimes, David, Spence….new attitude/new toughness/new day on defense!!!!
May 2nd, 2016 at 7:53 pm
Hargreaves is fearless..he can out trash talk anyone if he needs to. The defense will be known around the world again..just watch..
May 2nd, 2016 at 7:59 pm
Man….I can’t wait for the season to get here. This team is going to be much better and I am glad we have a tough schedule so we will be battle tested for the playoffs if we find ourselves there. I think 9-7 or 10-6 this season and in the hunt for a wildcard spot.
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:02 pm
If everyone stays healthy I agree 10-6…I REALLY THINK we can beat Carolina this year..at least one of the games..I really do…
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:14 pm
I can’t wait for Vitale to hit someone….
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:16 pm
If you don’t have season tickets, you better get them soon. It’s going to be a BucTakeover bring back home field advantage.
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:31 pm
Wish we had a pass rush to help this kid out.
Maybe we can address it in next years draft
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:34 pm
8-8 if v jack and Gerald stay healthy
6-10 if either gets hurt
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:41 pm
It’s a new day with a new coaching staff. That pass rush may come with the players we have.
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:41 pm
12-4 playoff bound.playoffffa.yes mora playoffs
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:48 pm
^^^and you throw in 4 losses, well because, no things prefect season. I’m gonna step out there now. So what
11-3
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:50 pm
YEs siree, Hell Joe you almost got me fired up. Bring on the hard hittin from days of ole. That’s what our Bucs need..that ole killer instinct like Sapp/Lynch/Brooks had. Competition in trng camp will separate the hungry from the full. Weed’em out and lets make the playoffs!! Shock the hell out of’em. That’s what we want to see..Defy the odds makers.
May 2nd, 2016 at 8:50 pm
^^^no one is thinking perfect season
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:00 pm
I can’t even put into words how excited I am just to hear him say that. Reason being is if he loves playing press, and the bucs know this, and drafted him with they’re first pick that means thats what they’re gonna be running. I think the Bucs have played press coverage maybe 10 snaps over the last TEN SEASONS.
Banks is going to excel at Press, Verner will Excel at Press, Our Pass Rush will Excel with Press.
Of coarse it depends on the situation, your not going to press the receiver every snap every game, but when its 3rd and 6 your gonna JAM THAT SOB!!!
Lovie, Schiano, Raheem….everyone played ten yards off the damn receiver and it drove me absolutely insane watching it. I can realistically put money down on a 9 win season this year. It’s not hope anymore, ITS GOIN DOWN!!!!!!!
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:05 pm
I’m gonna say after watching every snap of all 36 games he started…….Kid is gonna be a Star if we get Any kind of pressure up front. Not just the Gator in me talking either.
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:16 pm
Its good to hear that VH3 is ready and willing to play special teams. Shows 2 things – that he loves the physical aspect of football and that he doesn’t have an ego to feed (as in – “1st round picks shouldn’t have to play special teams”).
He is well spoken and comes off as intelligent so that is always a plus.
Here’s hoping Hargreaves lives up to his draft position and becomes one of the next great Buccaneer defenders. Welcome “home” VH3.
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:20 pm
And let’s not forget that Ronde Barber – who Hargreaves surely aspires to be like – was a pretty darn good special teams player. Even in the later part of his career he was still out there shedding blocks, running down the field and looking to lay some wood on the returner.
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:22 pm
Well said Pick. Also, he is a Coach’s son so that is a good reason he has the fire. Passion is hard to measure in some. In him, it is obvious! Great! FIRE on Defense again?!?!?!? I am all Bart Scott on this.
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Sup SB. Don’t know if you saw it the other day but I commented that watching you and “BucGator” converse was like watching a crazy person talk back and forth to himself.
So is it warming up where you are yet?
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:35 pm
LOL That was a “Literal” LOL Pick!
I was talking to him thinking along the same lines. It is Absolutely Awesome this time of yr. Crisp 35 in the AMs and warms up to 70 in the afternoons. No wind or clouds, dry mountain air. I only want to visit Fla once a yr anymore. Hope all is well with you and yours
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:52 pm
People we have no pass rush
I think Noah has potential but we left so much money on the table in a über deep d line draft
Imagine rankins spence and trading up for reed
Give those guys a year to get in sync and in 2018 we are a
Playoff team with a violent d line
Well at
Least we
Have a great kicker and there is no denying that
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:07 pm
@rod munch
Joe was clearly talking about dexter Jackson from Appalachian state…are you reallu a bucs fan?
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:09 pm
28 – Dunn’s old number – wear it proudly!
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:25 pm
Man, I was against this pick, I’m not going to lie. But this quote alone makes me smile and want to watch him play. If this is truly how he feels I love his attitude, hope this isn’t just a rookie saying what he thinks people want to hear. Please prove me wrong Vernon, light the world on fire!
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:28 pm
I still to this day have a hard time with Dexter Jackson getting the MVP. Dwight Smith got 2 picks as well and Both of his went for 6. 2 Pick 6s vs. just 2 picks.
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:33 pm
@rodmunch
you clearly are not a real Buc fan you would know exactly who Joe was talking about. A second round pick that did absolutely nothing.
For the above story. This is one of the many reason why I love this kid. How many corners do you hear talk like that? Very very few. Can’t wait to see him out on the field.
It is weird to see him with the #28 jersey. Dunn is my all time favorite player. VHIII has big shoes to fill but I firmly believe he can and will end up being great!!
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:35 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo had a very bad dream last night. Pablo dreamed that Aguayo almost missed a kick. Now…..Pablo doesn’t think it will be fair to Roberto when he does eventually miss a kick…..VH3 can miss a tackle or allow a TD to a receiver…..Spence can miss many sacks……but a missed kick….fans will revolt. Pablo will stand by his Buc amigo, always”
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:40 pm
Fiesta en todo dia Pablo!!!
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:42 pm
SB he’ll become a star regardless my belief is because he’s so technically sound being coached up by coach Maxie the guy that made Verner a pro bowler he can’t help but become a star. I mean Joe Haden hasn’t had much of pass rush and still became bad as h3ll. This kid seems driven to be great.
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:48 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Partido en tres días….Cinco de Mayo…..but Pablo’s new favorite holiday is May 17th……”Birthday de Aguayo”
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:55 pm
What’s good Nole!? In all reality Joe Haden was Never as good as VH3 from day one. Take my word.
May 2nd, 2016 at 10:57 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo knows its late and many of Pablo’s JBF amigos have called it a night…except for Pablo’s mountain time freind (s)…..Pablo feels safe to admit to this small group that Pablo is responsible for Hason trading up. Pablo called Hason pretending to be Roberto and told Hason he got a call from the Saints. Hason told Pablo…..”Don’t worry Roberto, I will trade up and get you because I have gigante cajones”
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:01 pm
One Buc CB I liked that doesn’t get much mention was Brian Kelly.
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:03 pm
I loved me some Brian Kelley too. Too bad that he went to the wayside during our turmoil.
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Bonzai said it best this draft has the potential to be the best Buccs draft ever. These young men were specifically targeted for specific reasons. No camp meat from these selections. Vh3 wants to be better than Revis,Spawn ready devastate all who passed on him,Berto driven to validate his selection,Ryan Smith whole family depending on him,Benenoch 35 starts shed tears when drafted,Vitale Superback specialist and Bond juco tranfers always play wit a chip.
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:05 pm
Now that you guys are familiar somewhat with VH3, remember this name, Jalen Tabor.
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:07 pm
Not sure on this pic ?? What Gator has ever played for us that was good ? Small and look at the WRs he will introduced to !! O man, but we need Verner and Banks to step up .. Also no WR !!!!!????? Go Bucs
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:13 pm
What Gator has ever played for us that was good ?
……………………..
First name that popped in my head was Earnest Graham.
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:16 pm
@Nole
I also like this draft because it served our needs perfectly…..we are bringing in several players that weren’t on everyone’s radar…..even Hargreaves & Spence…..but especially the last 4 picks…..I have high hopes that all of them will make the team and if they make the team, they’ll probably stick.
You have to have some players that end up serving important depth roles…Players like Keith Tandy & Russell Shepard….and perhaps now Mike James…..late round picks that make a difference.
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:20 pm
@SB with Jameis – did you see where VH3 said Tabor is the best CB in college football?
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:22 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
Are you kidding me???? You are truly not a Bucs fan if you don’t mention Big play Brian Kelly as one of the all time great Bucs…he is 7th all time for most pics on defense!!! He and Donnie Abraham were beast for the Bucs in those days….wish he would have played longer in Tampa….
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:23 pm
Ike wasn’t bad….
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:24 pm
I hoped Spurrier would be good….but nobody back then was very good…..
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:26 pm
I really liked Kelly….but my favorite all time was Batman….
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:33 pm
3rd and Ike all day….
Jacques Green and Reidel Anthony were OK….
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:38 pm
Richard “Batman Woods”!!
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:39 pm
Yes I do USF. Hargreaves is a different breed.
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:48 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:23 pm
Ike wasn’t bad….
…………..
https://www.google.com/search?q=Hurricane+Ike+photos&rlz=1C1CHWA_enUS638US638&tbm=isch&imgil=IdrzIkYSWzLO2M%253A%253BucY99mywGZ_wHM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.chron.com%25252Fnews%25252Fhouston-texas%25252Farticle%25252FSeven-things-you-probably-forgot-about-the-impact-6502194.php&source=iu&pf=m&fir=IdrzIkYSWzLO2M%253A%252CucY99mywGZ_wHM%252C_&usg=__enUylldEdCwROUx1I7ybaayab7Y%3D&biw=1512&bih=815&ved=0ahUKEwj_7uzG_7zMAhUBhyYKHVlKBqkQyjcIMA&ei=YR8oV7-6NYGOmgHZlJnICg#imgrc=IdrzIkYSWzLO2M%3A
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:55 pm
I just want to point out that Ronde played special teams until his last game. No reason a rookie can’t do the same in my opinion
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:56 pm
Cream………..Hargreaves says he Wants to play. Why are you ragging on Joe?
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:58 pm
Almost 10pm. I turn into a pumpkin then. Peace out Bucs Faithful.
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:58 pm
SB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmCDaXeDRI4
I like Ike.
May 3rd, 2016 at 12:01 am
My strongest hope is that VH3 will become the “Greatest Gator”…..and I really hope that Jonathan Banks is his partner…..I have a special place for the players that we draft and hope they succeed….I’m hoping that Lovie was bad for Banks….we all know he can play…….
May 3rd, 2016 at 7:18 am
The way people talk about special teams injury risk you’d think the field would be lined with dead bodies after every kick off. Can anyone produce any stats that indicate a kickoff or punt is more likely to result in an injury than any other play?
May 3rd, 2016 at 7:34 am
Well it’s nice to hear most 9f you warming up to the former “all pro gator” now. it felt like I was defending him every day on this sight. Fans will soon find out how great thos kid is. Those who watched him play at UF know what kind of player we got. This kid loves football and loves to compete. And you gotta love his swagger and confidence in himself, Licht seemed to like it as well. Theres something special about this kid. There is no doubt in my mind he will be very successful at the next level for our Bucs.
And if ppl don’t know the name Jalen Tabor they will next season. He had a better year than VH3 last season and he did very well, QB’s just stopped throwing Hargreaves way so,Tabor got all the action. I’m calling it now, the next best cover corner in the draft if he comes out this year. Back to back Gators. Ppl don’t know how talented that Gators defense was. 4 of them went in the draft this year. VH3, K.Neal, J.Bullard, A.Mccallister
May 3rd, 2016 at 10:29 am
Yes, when “real” Bucs fans hear the name Dexter Jackson in an article about a DB they automatically think not of the Super Bowl MVP but a WR that played only a few games before never being heard from again. Got it. Grrr.
Anywho I’ll let my autographed Donald Igwebuike football card speak for my fandom and I’ll be just fine.
May 3rd, 2016 at 10:53 am
i’ll go one step further and say uf will have 2 cb’s drafted in the first round next year…j.tabor and quincy Wilson….Wilson is a little bit better in run support than tabor(imo) and has great ball skills and technique….GO BUCS!!!