Two Former Gators Stand Out At Bucs’ Camp

While attending a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice on Monday, my focus was on two players – former Florida stars Earnest Graham and Ahmad Black. With so much going on and certain fields more visible than others, it wasn’t always easy to pull the two out of the crowds, but I was able to observe them both briefly and Gators’ and Bucs’ fans should be pleased.

While Graham has seen his carries diminish in recent years, he continues to be a valuable part of the Bucs’ offense and a fan favorite. Lining up at fullback for a while now, fans seemed to flock to him as if he were Josh Freeman.

I was lucky enough to be sitting in the right place during one of the more eventful drills. Focusing on the running backs for much of the practice, I observed as the unit went through a drill where the goal of the back was to stop a blitzing linebacker from getting to the quarterback. The drill was simple: one-on-one, linebacker coming right at you, don’t let him get to the assistant coach acting as the QB. This is where Graham showed his worth. Most run-throughs had the starting running backs going up against the starting linebackers, so you typically saw Graham matched up with Quincy Black or Geno Hayes. Graham performed admirably, keeping the LBs away from the QB on several occasions and using near perfect technique in doing so. I almost felt bad for the group of rookie running backs as they were abused by the linebackers time after time after time. Clearly, Graham and LeGarrette Blount don’t have to worry about losing too many snaps early in the season.

The first thing anyone would have to notice about Black is his overall eagerness. While I’m sure the first NFL training camp for a rookie is not easy by any means, I’d imagine it’s also a little bit like being a kid in a candy store. This is it. This is your dream. You may not have made it yet, but here’s your chance. Black seems to love every minute of the opportunity. He wants to be out there on every play and can’t wait to contribute. Black may not start right away and could come off the bench for a few seasons, but when he does, he’ll be ready to go each and every time.

Both former Gators appear to be doing great in camp so far. Graham keeps hammering away at his NFL career, while Black is just getting his started. It’s very easy to continue to cheer for both and wish them both to succeed.

And Florida fans, you’ll surely like this: As the practice came to an end, the players came over to the fans for autographs. Veterans like Graham were mobbed immediately (although he did smile when he saw Mrs. TBG pull out a Gators helmet), while rookies like Black were easy to approach. While chatting with Black, former USC running back Allen Bradford saw the Gators helmet and the trash talk began. He told me and Black the Trojans would have beaten the Gators if they had played. Florida stood “no chance” in a matchup with USC. Black just smiled and offered “national champions” as his response over and over again. There must be no better reply than that.