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Buccaneers: Defense capsules

By ROGER MILLS

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 7, 2001

NAME: Donnie Abraham.

HT/WT: 5-10, 192.

POSITION: Cornerback.

COLLEGE: East Tennessee State.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Sixth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D3-'96.

ROLE IN 2001: He made his first Pro Bowl and is finally getting recognition as one of the game's best corners. A reserved presence in the locker room, Abraham will be expected to play loudly on game day as he routinely has the task of holding down the opponent's primary receiver.

NAME: Ronde Barber.

HT/WT: 5-10, 184.

POSITION: Cornerback.

COLLEGE: Virginia.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Fifth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D3b-'97.

ROLE IN 2001: After signing him to a new six-year contract in the offseason, the Bucs are hoping Barber can duplicate the impressive numbers he put up in 2000 (six interceptions, 5.5 sacks). He will start opposite Abraham and will, from time to time, slide out of coverage to pursue the quarterback.

NAME: Derrick Brooks.

HT/WT: 6-0, 235.

POSITION: Linebacker.

COLLEGE: Florida State.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Seventh season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D1b, '95.

ROLE IN 2001: He held out for the first 10 days of training camp to make a point that he was worthy of a contract extension. The Bucs granted him that with a six-year, $30-million deal. Now Brooks has the chance to live up to it. He has made four straight Pro Bowls and has led the team in tackles three straight years. Bet on him.

NAME: James Cannida.

HT/WT: 6-2, 291.

POSITION: Defensive tackle.

COLLEGE: Nevada.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Fourth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D6a-'98.

ROLE IN 2001: Each year Cannida has improved and held his own as the backup to Anthony McFarland at nose tackle. It's no easy role, considering the Bucs expect big things from McFarland and getting him off the field won't be easy. What Cannida must do is stay mentally sharp so he's ready when his number is called.

NAME: Chartric Darby.

HT/WT: 6-0, 270.

POSITION: Defensive tackle.

COLLEGE: South Carolina State.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Second season.

HOW ACQUIRED: FA -- '00.

ROLE IN 2001: The past two years he has been praised for his play by Warren Sapp. This time, it appears, Darby is ready to make an impact as Sapp's backup. A bull-rushing specialist, Darby may not play much, but appears to be a good insurance policy.

NAME: Jamie Duncan.

HT/WT: 6-0, 242.

POSITION: Linebacker.

COLLEGE: Vanderbilt.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Fourth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D3-'98.

ROLE IN 2001: Forgive Duncan if he's a little ticked off at the lack of recognition. First, he was no Hardy Nickerson. Then he lost his job to Nate Webster. All he has done is improve steadily as the starting middle linebacker. Nate Webster is in the wings, but for now, Duncan is firmly in the lead role.

NAME: David Gibson.

HT/WT: 6-1, 210.

POSITION: Safety.

COLLEGE: Southern Cal.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Second season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D5-'99.

ROLE IN 2001: Still learning behind John Lynch, Gibson is an aggressive hitter who can't wait to make his impact. Barring an injury, he'll have to wait some more. In the meantime, his job will be to contribute on special teams.

NAME: Jeff Gooch.

HT/WT: 5-11, 225.

POSITION: Linebacker.

COLLEGE: Austin Peay.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Sixth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: FA-'96.

ROLE IN 2001: The Bucs tried to trade him in the offseason, but Gooch persevered as the consummate role player. In camp, he spent time at two linebacker positions in the absence of Brooks. He won't play that often, but appears dependable when asked to.

NAME: Dexter Jackson.

HT/WT: 6-1, 203.

POSITION: Safety.

COLLEGE: Florida State.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Third season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D4-'99.

ROLE IN 2001: In the offseason he graduated from FSU and ascended into the starting position when Damien Robinson signed with the Jets. A more athletic playmaker, Jackson is expected to use his ball instincts to menace receivers coming across the middle. He has the speed to help in deep coverage as well.

NAME: Marcus Jones.

HT/WT: 6-6, 290.

POSITION: Defensive end.

COLLEGE: North Carolina.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Sixth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D1b-'96.

ROLE IN 2001: He had 13 sacks last year, signed a contract extension and proved he could realize his potential. Now all he has to do is raise the bar some more. It's a tough task, but by moving to left defensive end, Jones should be able to use his brute strength to break down right tackles.

NAME: Brian Kelly.

HT/WT: 5-11, 193.

POSITION: Cornerback.

COLLEGE: Southern Cal.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Fourth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D2b-'98.

ROLE IN 2001: Considered the team's first nickelback, Kelly is being pushed by rookie Dwight Smith for playing time. But his experience should ensure significant opportunities when going against teams that use three receivers. He also will spell starters Abraham or Barber.

NAME: John Lynch.

HT/WT: 6-2, 220.

POSITION: Strong safety.

COLLEGE: Stanford.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Ninth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D3-'93.

ROLE IN 2001: Another recipient of a contract extension during the season, Lynch is a critical part of the defensive scheme. His All-Pro ability to stuff the run and still make plays 20 to 30 yards downfield is something the Bucs need. Lynch might be getting up in years, but his game is still young at heart.

NAME: Anthony 'Booger' McFarland.

HT/WT: 6-0, 300.

POSITION: Defensive tackle.

COLLEGE: Louisiana State.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Third season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D1-'99.

ROLE IN 2001: Look out, this might be McFarland's breakout season. If it is true he is developing at a pace similar to Sapp's, McFarland should be a devastating run blocker and pass rusher. He actually is faster than Sapp though listed as a few pounds heavier. That says something.

NAME: Shelton Quarles.

HT/WT: 6-1, 225.

POSITION: Strongside linebacker.

COLLEGE: Vanderbilt.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Fifth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: FA-'97.

ROLE IN 2001: In the absence of Brooks, Quarles played weakside linebacker in training camp and held his own. He has the range to cover running backs and tight ends. He has since returned to his natural spot and should flourish there again.

NAME: Simeon Rice.

HT/WT: 6-5, 268.

POSITION: Defensive end.

COLLEGE: Illinois.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Sixth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: UAF-2001.

ROLE IN 2001: The Bucs forever have longed for an outside speed rusher to go with its strength in the middle. In comes Rice, a prototype right defensive end who should help Sapp, Jones and McFarland torment quarterbacks. As for his reputation of being less effective against the run, the Bucs say: "Don't believe the hype."

NAME: Warren Sapp.

HT/WT: 6-2, 294.

POSITION: Defensive tackle.

COLLEGE: Miami.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Sixth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D1-'95.

ROLE IN 2001: After setting the franchise record for sacks in a season, Sapp has taken aim at the NFL record of 22 set by Mark Gastineau. This is what makes Sapp so integral to the Bucs' success defensively. He remains the man at the point of attack and sets the tone in terms of team and personal goals. Make no mistake, this is Sapp's yard and he's the big dog.

NAME: Alshermond Singleton.

HT/WT: 6-2, 228.

POSITION: Outside linebacker.

COLLEGE: Temple.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Fifth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: D4-'97.

ROLE IN 2001: If asked, Singleton would play center, he is that versatile. Okay, so that's a stretch. But the most quiet man in the locker room is obviously one of the most valuable. Singleton has started games and will be expected to be ready should one of the starters go down. He is equally critical to special-teams fortunes as he routinely ranks among the leaders in tackles.

NAME: Dwight Smith.

HT/WT: 5-10, 201.

POSITION: Cornerback.

COLLEGE: Akron.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Rookie.

HOW ACQUIRED: D3-'01.

ROLE IN 2001: Since arriving at One Buc Place after the draft, Smith appears to have made a number of impressionable moves. He had an outstanding training camp and preseason and may be the cornerback of the future. For now, he'll have to excel on speacial teams, particularly as a kickoff or punt returner.

NAME: Eric Vance.

HT/WT: 6-2, 212.

POSITION: Safety.

COLLEGE: Vanderbilt.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Fourth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: FA-'00.

ROLE IN 2001: It's only his fourth season, but Vance has the presence of a veteran of many wars. The team will need his savvy. He works well spelling both Lynch and Jackson and also will be needed on special teams.

NAME: Ron Warner.

HT/WT: 6-2, 265.

POSITION: Defensive end.

COLLEGE: Kansas.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Second season.

HOW ACQUIRED: FA-'01.

ROLE IN 2001: A former CFL standout, Warner should provide depth behind Rice and Steve White but likely won't see much time. He'll be responsible for helping run the opponent's defense against the first team in practice.

NAME: Nate Webster.

HT/WT: 5-11, 225.

POSITION: Middle linebacker.

COLLEGE: Miami.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Second season.

ROLE IN 2001: He has pushed Duncan for the starting job and should play quite a bit. Though undersized for a middle linebacker, Webster makes up for it with speed and a nasty disposition. He'll bring a gangster attitude to the linebacking crew.

NAME: Steve White.

HT/WT: 6-2, 271.

POSITION: Defensive end.

COLLEGE: Tennessee.

NFL EXPERIENCE: Sixth season.

HOW ACQUIRED: FA-'96.

ROLE IN 2001: White will assume the role held by Jones last year, which is to say he will play both left and right defensive end. The Bucs think White understands his role as a two-position backup. He provides extra depth to an already deep defensive line.

- Compiled by ROGER MILLS

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