“Tyrone’s A Different Kind Of Dude”
July 1st, 2011
In this exclusive JoeBucsFan TV video, you can hear — and watch — Josh Freeman say that little known linebacker Tyrone McKenzie “is a different kind of dude.”
Freeman responds to a question from Tampa Tribune beat writer Anwar Richardson, who essentially asks Freeman if it’s surprising that McKenzie has taken on such an offseason leadership role given his newness and status on the team.
Joe has wondered the same thing about McKenzie, who was on the practice squad last year, then shined on special teams late in the season and earned a spot on Raheem Morris’ goal line defense. All reports had the guy as a Mr. 1a alongside Freeman organizing offseason workouts and coordinating the big minicamp this week.
Now comes a stunning report from the St. Pete Times yesterday that McKenzie flew to Nebraska to track down Barrett Ruud recently to watch film. Apparently, Ruud said he would be happy to help the young player review film and prepare for 2011. So McKenzie hopped a plane to Omaha to study with Ruud, who he surely hopes to replace.
McKenzie is also a guy Raheem spoke highly of last year on WDAE-AM 620. You can read that here.
Joe’s impressed. The reality is McKenzie might not even make the Bucs roster next year. Hats off the to the kid for his work ethic.
July 1st, 2011 at 9:13 am
I think in 10 years he will be the only USF Bull from our big draft class to have had a good career. Nate Allen and Mike Jenkins are solid starters right now, though.
July 1st, 2011 at 9:24 am
He will not only make the team, he will be starting in November.
July 1st, 2011 at 10:01 am
I think he becomes the starter at MLB as well.
He was known as the poor mans Brandon Spikes but with better speed.
I think Ruud takes the money elsewhere and goes.
McKenzie becomes the MLB starter and Foster starts at one of the OLB positions along with Hayes…. Black and Watson and Hayward are the backups, but Is ee a heavy rotation of all of them playing
July 1st, 2011 at 10:10 am
I’m sure he heard Raheem say someone needs to step up and start leading whether it’s defense or just special teams. There is plenty of room for more than one as well. Leadership is exactly what this team has been missing since Brooks left. The offense is already set with Freeman so the future is looking bright.
July 1st, 2011 at 11:02 am
Looks like I agree with David on this one. Looks like Ruud is gonna be gone from Tampa. The way stuff is happening lately with Ruud’s absence and all, and all the talk about Tyrone lately leads one to believe Ruud’s going elsewhere in a mere formality.
I bet New England is pissed we snatched 2 really good players from them, LOL
July 1st, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Thank you Joe for posting this story. Its awesome to hear about someone giving so much knowing he has the potential to not even make the team. I honestly don’t know alot about this guy. Is he good enough to make the team? And, if so, could he be a good LB in this league? I think we resign Ruud, Quincy or Dekoda play Sam, and Foster at Will. That is an athletic LB core that is still very young.
Ruud may miss some tackles, but so does everyone else. Even Ray Lewis makes mistakes. He is our leader on D and way to talented to not resign. Hopefully there won’t be a Franchise tag in the new CB deal and we actually give him the 5 year deal!
July 1st, 2011 at 1:20 pm
TMac, Foster, and Te’o in 2012!!!!!
July 1st, 2011 at 4:19 pm
Not surprised in the least. He stepped in as a transfer and became an instant leader at USF. Proud to see him continuing his strong work-ethic in the NFL. I hope for only great things coming from this guy.
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:16 am
Funky sorry that Ruud Fan Boy ass is gonna be crying when your hero is GONE.