When NFL football returns (hopefully on time in early September), there will be an enormous amount of pressure on Josh Freeman to build on the successful second season he had as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback. While the lockout drags on, Freeman of course must refrain from talking to or working with his coaches. Freeman has taken an active role in organizing players-only voluntary workouts for the Buccaneers offense. Attendance has been solid, yet another sign that Freeman is clear cut leader of the young Bucs team.
↵Freeman has however been receiving some hands-on coaching. As he's done every offseason since his freshman year at Kansas state, Freeman has been working with private quarterbacks coach Anston Clarkson.
↵↵↵"We’ve still worked some on the on-field stuff, but this year has been different because of the lockout,’’ said Clarkson, who played quarterback at Oregon State and Hofstra and is based in Southern California. "This year, we’ve focused more on defenses, understanding the coverages and the blitz protections. We’ve spent more time looking at film.’’
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The Buccaneers lpayers have organized a three-day mini-camp for the last week of June in which offensive linemen and defensive players are expected to join the fold. Previous sessions have mostly just been skill players from the offensive side of the ball. After the mini-camp, Freeman will fly back out to California to resume working with Clarkson privately. Well, semi-privately. Freeman plans to bring second year wide receivers Mike Williams andArrelius Benn, as well as third-year WR Sammie Stroughter.
↵Exciting times for fans of the up-and-coming Buccaneers squad. Now, let's just get a labor deal in place and get the show back on the road!
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