Lavonte David Is A Sponge
August 8th, 2012
If the Bucs had any unit last year that needed help most, it was the linebackers. Most defenses have what is called “second levels,” which is code for linebackers.
Not the Bucs. Once running backs got past the first level, it was off to the races.
Geno Hayes was way too much of a freelancer, Mason Foster was a rookie without any offseason training who played out of position and Quincy Black was, well, Quincy Black.
If there was a linebacker corps last season in the NFL worse than the Bucs, Joe is all ears. But with a new defensive-minded coach, new assistants stressing fundamentals and a new, flashy addition, the linebacker play for the Bucs could be a stark contrast from last year, thanks to rookie Lavonte David.
Though he has yet to play against a different colored jersey, David, who is lighting fast, is already getting raves from Bucs coaches, mostly becuase he has overcome every obstacle the Bucs have thrown at him thus far, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan has thrown the new playbook at David. He also has given him more repetitions than most defenders. In addition to his duties in the base defense, David has gotten looks at middle linebacker in nickel passing situations with the second unit.
“He’s doing good,” Sheridan said. “Like all the rookies, at some point in camp, it starts to mount up mentally. But he’s plowing through it. The nice thing is he’s getting a ton of reps with the ones (starters) and the twos, so he’s getting coached off film because he’s in there a lot. I’m sure guys wish they were getting the kind of reps we’re affording him.
“What he brings is he’s real instinctive, so even if he technically screws up, he’s got great recovery.”
This is nothing but good news to Joe. Not only is David versatile, he’s also smart. While playing for Nebraska, David was a true sideline-to-sideline type of player; a ballhawk.
He’s exactly what the Bucs needed: an athletic, smart, versatile linebacker.
August 8th, 2012 at 8:27 am
So far so good. Allot more positives this year. I can certainly tell there is different attitude this year with the players and coaches. Im excited to see our new NY style offense.
Im so glad football is here!
Cant wait for the first home game! Im so there!!
August 8th, 2012 at 8:33 am
We haven’t had a backer playing sideline to sideline since Double Nickel was kicked to the curb by Dom (Still haven’t forgiven him for that). We need that intensity and presence to instill fear in our opponents.
August 8th, 2012 at 8:49 am
How is Watson doing? He seems to be invisible thus far in camp.
August 8th, 2012 at 9:09 am
Lavonte David is exactly what Geno and Quincy were not last year. A sound tackler who makes splash plays.
August 8th, 2012 at 9:29 am
@TheRealVince
My thoughts exactly! This is why im excited….
August 8th, 2012 at 9:36 am
I like David’s insticts and nose for the football. He isn’t very big which can be an issue, unless you are Derrick Brooks, so we will see how he avoids blocks and traffic.
I am interested to see if Hayward beats out Foster – in which case I would slide Foster over to Sam and let him compete with Watson – allowing us to release Jane.
August 8th, 2012 at 10:23 am
If this guy had been drafted by an NFC East team BSPN would be all over him already. “Eagles rookie linebacker Lavonte David is looking like a true difference maker in camp.” Since he plays for our Bucs however, he gets no love and no recognition from the national media.
August 8th, 2012 at 10:35 am
Is it Friday yet?
August 8th, 2012 at 10:39 am
He’s better off keeping a low profile and not getting any national attention until he earns it. Who cares what’s on BSPN?
August 8th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Well, if they can get him lined up properly, they will be ahead of last year. The big question is if Foster is ready to call the defense and make the adjustments at the line this year. If not, it won’t matter how good Lavonte David is.
August 8th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@MG:
That’s the first cogent thing that’s come from your keyboard in recent memory. Keep it up, kid.
August 8th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
thomas:
What game did you watch where you came up with your analysis of David? Was it Nebraska’s win over Illinois last year?
August 8th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Thomas trying to analyze anyone is laughable. It’s impossible for him to be objective about anything. He can’t let go of the past so to him Quincy Black is still hopeless in spite of the fact that he’s having a great camp under new coaching. McCoy will get injured every year and even if he doesn’t he won’t make an impact…blah…blah…blah. And then he tries to post like he’s an authority on judging talent. What a joke.
August 8th, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Thomas, you have no clue what you are talking about. I would bet you haven’t even been to one practice this year.
August 8th, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Thomas, Yes!!!
I am somewhat in agreement witcha about Hayward at Mike and David and Foster on the outside. Hayward also played bad in the horrific collapse last season, but prior to that he has been stout. Hayward can hit and tackle and also has a nose for it. I like the idea of Foster at Sam with David at Will. It makes a lot of sense and it is so unusual that we agree that I had to jump all over this. BTW, you are my favorite hater on the site, and this time I think you’re on to something, but Hayward has to step up and Black, who knows, if he’s truly playing well then it might just work the way Schiano has it. But I doubt if things go south, that Schiano wouldn’t hesitate to switch it up. You know though, it’s really about the D line first.
August 8th, 2012 at 7:55 pm
I like Watson and hope they can work him in other just as blitzer. He is very athletic. I am really excited to see what Schiano has done with these guys and thank the Good Lord above that Geno Hayes is gone.
August 9th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
bma: “Thomas, Yes!!! I am somewhat in agreement witcha…”
* which seemed to raise the blood pressure of Lurker. With whistle still in mouth, Lurker stared at BMA for a moment before looking down and walking away, shaking his head.