There will be a number of key positional battles to keep an eye on during the Buccaneers’ training camp. 

Which three linebackers will emerge as the starters could be the most critical to the team’s success.  Quincy Black enters camp with the most experience, followed by a group of unproven talents.  Mason Foster figures to have a leg up at middle linebacker, but the 2nd year pro is far from a sure thing. 

Enter Lavonte David and Najee Goode, the Buccaneers 2nd and 5th round draft picks, respectively. 

It’s fair to say the team has high expectations for David, a guy that set the single-season tackling record as a junior at Nebraska.  During the NFL Draft, he drew comparisons to former Buccaneer great Derrick Brooks.

David is doing his best to avoid adding to the hype.

“I’m just coming out here to work every day, like the whole linebacking corps,” said David.  “Everybody comes out here to work, everybody tries to put in their time, as much time as they can and everybody is trying to make a difference as much as they can on the field.”

Goode was less diplomatic.  When asked if his goal was to finish training camp as a starter, he didn’t back down.

“Yea, you know, as a general player in football, you try to always go in there and take a spot and to get a spot on the team.”  Goode said following Thursday’s rookie-only practice.

 Schiano made the point that with the exception of Josh Freeman, no player is going into camp with an advantage over another player.  With a brand new system in place, he says everyone is starting from the same spot - and the linebacking corps is no exception.

“I’ll be watching everything closely, but that’s certainly an important position, and I think there is some great competition there,” Said Schiano.  “Those young guys have a chance to compete for playing time, and let’s see how they do.”

The Buccaneers first full squad training camp practice is set for next Friday, July 27th.  As far as the linebackers are concerned, the real action won’t begin until that next Monday, when the team goes through their first full-contact practice of the season.