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Profiling Jamie Duncan

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 7, 2001

While injured in the first week of training camp, middle linebacker Jamie Duncan heard rumblings about Nate Webster challenging for his job. Webster was playing well and has a feisty and charismatic personality. Duncan said he didn't worry. "I was comfortable with what I was doing and with what I know I can do," Duncan said. "I was happy for Nate for him to get the experience and exposure. I understand how it works in this business. The thing is, it's competition and you have to love competition." Duncan was solid on his return and has retained his starting role.

At 26, Duncan is in his second season as a starter (fourth overall), having replaced Hardy Nickerson. Duncan attended Vanderbilt and is considered one of the team's quickest learners. He finished last season with 97 tackles and is currently tied for second on the team with 15 tackles, trailing Derrick Brooks (27).

At 6 feet 1, 240 pounds, Duncan is a tank in the speed-oriented linebacking corps. He is a powerful tackler who takes pride in being efficient at stopping the run. Duncan is once recorded a 430-pound bench press while in college. "I used to think I had speed, but I have put on some pounds recently," Duncan joked. "I guess strength is my strength, right now."

You can also call him, Mr. Soft Spoken. Duncan, like a couple of his teammates (Warrick Dunn and Al Singleton) is one of the quiet guys in the locker room. In interviews, reporters often have to hold their microphones inches away from his mouth to record what he's saying.

Duncan's best day as a pro was likely last season's performance in Miami. His 31-yard interception return for a touchdown was the Bucs only touchdown of the day. And his fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter set up Martin Gramatica's 46-yard game-winning field goal. Duncan had four interceptions last year, second on the team behind Donnie Abraham's seven.

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