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Rookie linebacker to stay in middle
By JOANNE KORTH
Published June 9, 2005
TAMPA - Barrett Ruud has always been a middle linebacker, from youth leagues to high school to college. Bucs coaches see no reason for him to change now.
Ruud, the team's second-round pick, will back up Shelton Quarles in the middle, which comes with play-calling responsibilities.
"The middle is probably my best spot because it takes an understanding of football, and I think that's one of my strengths," Ruud said Wednesday after practice, one of two this week as the team utilizes its allotment of Organized Team Activity days.
"Obviously, I have a long way to go after seeing how much Shelton knows, but that just takes time. There's probably a little bit more responsibility being a middle linebacker, but I'm used to having more on me."
Initially, the Bucs planned to ease Ruud into the Tampa Two defense at weakside or strongside linebacker. But it didn't take long for linebackers coach Joe Barry to decide Ruud could handle the intricacies of the middle.
"The guy definitely has a comfort level at that position," Barry said. "Could he play strongside? Could he play weakside? I'm sure he could. But I think it's a perfect fit for him to learn the system."
Ruud, Nebraska's all-time leading tackler, played a version of the Tampa Two during his junior season. He is working hard in the classroom, and the results are evident on the practice field, Barry said.
"The hardest part about learning our defense is going against our offense because our offense shifts so much," Ruud said. "It's good for us because once the season starts it will make everything else easier."
POPULAR ROOKIE: The jersey of first-round pick Carnell Williams ranks eighth in NFL sales, highest among rookies. The running back sits four spots ahead of top pick Alex Smith.
The top-seller is Randy Moss followed by Michael Vick, Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb and Ben Roethlisberger. The Eagles have the most team sales followed by the Patriots, Steelers, Raiders and Packers.
BUC BITS: Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland, who missed the second half of last season with a tear in his right triceps tendon, participated in drills as did cornerback Ronde Barber, who had offseason knee surgery. ... Temperatures in the 90s and high humidity made for the hottest practice this offseason.
Final Shula link to retire
DAVIE - Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens was waived after failing a physical, a move the team said was a precursor to retirement.
Bowens, the last player from Don Shula's tenure with the Dolphins, played in two games last season because of a herniated disc in his back.
"I am grateful to the Dolphins for all the years I have been able to play in Miami," Bowens said in a statement released by the team.
Bowens, the defensive rookie of the year in 1994, missed five games during his first 10 seasons before 2004 and was twice voted to the Pro Bowl.
BROWNS: Offensive tackle Ross Verba will be released once he repays a $465,000 roster bonus, ending a contract dispute. The only Browns lineman to start all 16 games last season said he will pay today.
EAGLES: Agent Drew Rosenhaus said it is 50-50 receiver Terrell Owens would report to training camp on time. Owens has said he wants to renegotiate the $49-million contract he signed before last season.
49ERS: The 2004 in-house video featuring racist jokes and topless blonds wasn't the first offensive video from the recently resigned public relations director. The team said late Tuesday a video made in 2003 by Kirk Reynolds contained "objectionable content showing bikini-clad women." The tapes were meant to prepare players for dealing with the media.
PANTHERS: Running back Stephen Davis ran for the first time since knee surgery. He said he is optimistic he will be ready by training camp.
RAMS: Offensive tackle Kyle Turley was released after failing a physical. He started every game in 2003 but had surgery for a herniated disc in March 2004. He reinjured his back early in the 2004 training camp and missed the season.
RAVENS: Cornerback Deion Sanders signed a one-year, $1.5-million deal after passing his physical. His return was delayed for several days while a doctor in New York examined his surgically repaired toe.
SEAHAWKS: Coach Mike Holmgren returned to practice after taking a day off. He went to a hospital Monday complaining of chest pain, but tests showed no damage.
ARENA LEAGUE: Colorado's Damian Harrell was named the offensive player of the year. The Florida State product caught 122 passes (fourth in the league) for 1,486 yards (fourth) and 41 touchdowns (second).
Information from other news organizations was used in the report.
[Last modified June 9, 2005, 01:18:46]
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