Stovall's stock rapidly rising

The second-year Buc is making a big push to start at receiver.

By RICK STROUD
Published June 21, 2007

As he has done since high school, Maurice Stovall prays after practice at the Bucs training facility.
	[Times photo: Dirk Shadd]

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Brendan Fitterer] Maurice Stovall's hard work during the offseason has impressed coach Jon Gruden.

TAMPA - Starting the final two games of the '06 season, Maurice Stovall demonstrated an ability to make extra yards after the catch.

"I think every time you catch the ball any player should think to go score, " Stovall said. "Why should you go down if the ball is in your hands? You might as well make the most of the opportunity. That's when the show begins, right?"

Stovall has put on a show this offseason. Given an opportunity to become the Bucs' No. 2 receiver, ahead of former first-round pick Michael Clayton, Stovall's running with it.

At 6 feet 5, 220 pounds with sure hands, Stovall finished his rookie season with just seven catches for 102 yards and two carries for 29 yards. He was limited by a nagging back injury and buried on the depth chart.

Those numbers hardly compare to Clayton's first pro season in 2004, when he earned rookie of the year consideration with 80 receptions for 1, 193 yards and seven touchdowns.

But Clayton's career has spiraled downward, with just 65 catches and one touchdown over the past two injury-plagued seasons.

Which is why coach Jon Gruden is giving Stovall, 22, and former Chargers and Dolphins receiver David Boston, who hasn't caught an NFL pass since the 2005 season, a chance to play opposite starter Joey Galloway.

"(Clayton) is a good player, but the guys around him are getting good, too, " Gruden said. "It's going to be very interesting. I love Mike (Clayton). He's had a lot of injuries in the last couple seasons (and) hasn't been able to finish the '05 or '06 season healthy.

"Maurice Stovall is not here to sign autographs on the sideline. He's here to play. He's going to get a great look here during the offseason. David Boston hasn't caught a pass in the NFL (since 2005). But those are two guys who have really worked their butt off. Mike Clayton, I think, sees that, I think realizes that, and it'll make for a very competitive situation here in training camp."

Focusing almost exclusively on defense in the draft, the Bucs stood pat at the receiver position in the offseason. That puts pressure on Gruden to squeeze more production from his returning corps of receivers.

A third-round pick in 2006 from Notre Dame, Stovall is a quiet, introspective player who overcame personal tragedy at the start of his rookie season. His mother, Cynthia, died last May of ovarian cancer but was able to see her son graduate from Notre Dame and earn a job in the NFL.

As a tribute, Stovall has a tattoo of a crucifix with the name "Cynthia" on his right shoulder. A tattoo of a black angel with wings is on his left biceps. Before he leaves the practice field every day, he kneels in prayer.

By all accounts, Stovall has been a fixture at the Bucs' training facility this offseason and his drive has never been questioned.

"I've always been that way and set high expectations for myself and I try to never be satisfied with where I am, whether it was high school or college, " Stovall said.

"It was the same way at Notre Dame. They have a high expectation level. I just carried that on into the NFL being a professional and it's time to step it up because not everybody gets this opportunity, so why not make the most of it?"

Let the show begin.

"He started for us last year as a rookie; that's no mistake, " Gruden said. "It's no mystery, really. He's 6 foot 5, he's in great shape, he's a reliable guy, he's tough as hell and he wants to play. At least that's what he's showing out here every day. He's a guy that gives us a size factor, I think a physical playmaker and a guy that's going to make for a real interesting camp."

[Last modified June 20, 2007, 22:53:01]