Tiquan Underwood might be most well-known for getting cut, but he's doing his best to make sure that doesn't happen this time around with Tampa Bay.
The former Jaguars' seventh-rounder out of Rutgers was on the Patriots' roster in the days leading up to the Super Bowl this February, but didn't get to play in the big game: the Pats cut the third-year receiver the Saturday before the game.
But in Tampa Bay, Underwood is hoping to make the squad. He had three catches for 79 yards - both team highs - in the preseason opener against Miami. Underwood is turning heads around camp, and appears a likely pick to make the final roster as an important receiver for the Bucs.
When focused, Underwood has looked every bit of a No. 3 wide receiver making acrobatic catches and running precision routes. Clocked at 4.31 in the 40-yard dash, Underwood displays elite speed on a consistent basis, which gives him value as a return specialist as well. Over the past few practices, Underwood has taken reps with the second team in 11-on-11 drills, and should easily make the active roster.
Underwood is lucky to have an old friend in Tampa Bay: his former coach at Rutgers, Greg Schiano, is the new Buccaneers head coach.
"Will he make the team? I don't know,'' Schiano said. "That's really going to be up to him. He did have a good game the other night, but I think consistency is going to be the key for him."
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