Multisport threat loves his 'Canes

Bucs cornerback Phillip Buchanon has football in his blood. Heck, he and Jevon Kearse are cousins. Another thing that's in his system: the University of Miami, where he played and won a national title. Considering Miami's recent misfortunes, that seems like a long, long time ago.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published October 28, 2007

Bucs cornerback Phillip Buchanon bleeds football and the University of Miami, where he played and won a national title.
	[Daniel Wallace | Times]

How closely do you follow the 'Canes?

I still follow Miami as much as I can. Every week I'm trying hard to find out the score to see if we've won or lost. Fortunately, we beat Florida State, so I'm feeling real good right now - finally. We're having some rough times right now, so I take them when I can get them.

Do you keep in close touch with teammates?

Oh, yeah. I keep in touch with Ed Reed, Andre Johnson, Clinton (Portis). A lot of guys.

What are they saying about the situation?

Some guys - I won't say any names - say the players don't seem as hungry as they did when we were down there. To be honest, I don't know what it is. I really think Coach (Randy) Shannon is going to turn it around, though.

Why do you think Shannon can get it done?

He was probably the best coach I've ever had. He's definitely one of my favorites. I talk to him about anything. I can actually call him even today about personal problems, anything. I talk to him every time I go to Miami. We definitely can relate to each other.

So many UM players are known for having a big mouth and being cocky. Does that reputation bother you?

It's a reputation that was started by the guys who came before me. It was instilled in us early. Doesn't bother me.

I didn't know (the Eagles') Jevon Kearse is your cousin. How are you related and did that set a high bar for you?

He's my first cousin on my father's side. But you know, we have so many people in my family who could have been in the NFL or maybe even the NBA. All kinds of talent. But they were just high school legends. They got caught up in all that other stuff. I'll just leave it at that. Me and Jevon were close, but I was closer to his little brother, Jermaine. But he died (in a drive-by shooting).

Fort Myers has turned out a long list of NFL players. Do you know Deion Sanders at all?

I know him well. We still talk every now and then. Me and Deion actually talked before I made my decision to come out early and go to the NFL. He basically told me that if I felt like I had done enough in college, go to the NFL. He told me to base it on how I evaluated myself.

Did you pattern any of your game after him?

People always say we have similarities. Deion played football, baseball and ran track, and that's what I did in high school. I pretty much did all the things he did, so I did really look up to him. Him and Bo Jackson, because they both played football and baseball. For some reason, I saw myself playing major-league baseball and football, but sometimes things don't always work out.

Do you have a top Deion moment that you recall?

I remember the feat of him dressing in a baseball and football uniform in the same day (in 1992). That was impressive.

You were quite a baseball player, too.

Yes, I was all-state. In my sophomore year, I batted .410, and in my junior year I batted .450. I didn't play my senior year because I hurt my wrist playing basketball, so I missed the whole year.

So, you thought you had as much chance to make it in baseball as football?

If you ask people in Fort Myers, they will tell you that they thought I was going to make it in baseball. People saw me making it to the majors before the NFL, even though I was very good in football, too. When I got hurt, I started concentrating on going to college for football. But the Reds did offer me half a million dollars coming out of high school.

What did we miss? Anything interesting?

Well, I do cook a little. I learned from my grandma. I can tell you my main dish: baked chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese and string beans.

Okay, here's how I'll know how good you are: Ever had courage to cook for a woman?

Oh, yes.

And did she come back for a second date?

Yep. It was all good.

Phillip Buchanon

Position:Cornerback

Height, weight:5-11, 186

Age: 27

College: Miami. Finished with seven interceptions in 32 career games ... returned 32 punts for 477 yards (14.9 average) ... All-America selection as a punt returner as a senior ... won national title in 2001 in Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska.

Pro: Drafted 17th overall by Oakland in 2002 ... traded to Houston in 2005 and signed as a free agent with the Bucs in 2006 ... has 15 interceptions in 67 games, including two in 2007 ... has seven touchdowns as a pro - four via interceptions, three on punt returns.

[Last modified October 27, 2007, 17:16:00]