Scattered across the practice fields are a number of portable drinking fountains players hover around.
The fountains, seen at almost every training camp, contain two supplies of Gatorade and two of water.
The big decision is figuring out which hose is which.
"Well, there's two blue ones and two orange ones," running back Aaron Stecker said. "So, they give you your choice of flavor. I'm sure some guys mix it up. I'm sure some guys are not as bright as I am. They might just pick it up and drink whatever comes out."
Tight end Ken Dilger said choosing between the water and Gatorade is critical.
"Some guys don't want to drink water, so there's Gatorade. Some guys don't want Gatorade, so there's water," he said. "We're out here sweating so much, that you have to keep getting liquids in your system. A lot of guys don't like to drink Gatorade because it kind of slows them down, gets that heavy feeling in their stomach. I like to because you're losing 6 or 7 pounds and you need something in your stomach."
But more important, with so many players using the hoses, is there a proper way to drink?
"There's a technique to it," Stecker said. "When I grab it, I always spray a little out for my homeys. My boy Warrick Dunn always did that, so I do it for him. So then you can see whatever comes out and you know. Then, you tip it to the side of your mouth and let it wash through. It's a skill. You can't just put your mouth over or under the thing and spray. It's high powered and the stuff will be everywhere."
FRESH FACE
NAME: Jason Whittle
HT/WT: 6-4, 305
POSITION: Guard
COLLEGE: Southwest Missouri State
BACK IN THE DAY: Not only was Whittle a defensive and offensive lineman for Camdenton High in Missouri, he also starred in basketball and tennis. After his freshman season in college, he was moved to offense and was the team's top scholar-athlete.
TO MAKE AN IMPACT: The Bucs believe Whittle will add size and power to provide an improved inside running attack and pass protection. But his injury put him behind and he must beat out Cosey Coleman.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Whittle was the first free agent signed by the Bucs this offseason.
QUOTE: "Soon, I'd like to get where I can be doing everything and be out there full time. But we're just trying to be smart about it and working back in and it feels great to be back out there with the guys."
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"We've got to have Derrick Brooks. It's not quite the same without Derrick Brooks out there. If (defensive tackle Warren) Sapp disappears or one of those guys disappear, you have an empty loneliness. The guy inspires not only his teammates and our fans, but he inspires me."
- Coach Jon Gruden on the return of outside linebacker Derrick Brooks, who was away for eight days tending to his ailing mother, Geraldine Mitchell.
