The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to open their first training camp under new head coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht.

All members of the team but one (Carl Nicks) reported to One Buc Place on Thursday morning.

Licht said on Wednesday that he is not considering this season a rebuilding year, and that he expects the team to contend for a division title with the new pieces that the team has acquired under the new front office regime.

The players know that there's pressure to perform this season, after last year's disappointing 4-12 effort that led to the firings of head coach Greg Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik.

"We have 'potential', but potential will get you cut," said Bucs Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. "So we have to go out there and put the work in and get the job done."

Smith said that his first seven months on the job have led to this day, a day in which he said he did not need an alarm clock to wake up.

Despite the excitement, Smith said the process will continue once the team gets on the field.

"We have training camp battles for roster spots, for starting spots," Smith said. "But for us as much as anything to continue the evaluation of our players."

The first practice is at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and it is open to the public.