(Sports Network) -
REPORT DATES: July 18th (rookies), July 26th (veterans)
SITE: One Buccaneer Place, Tampa, FL
CAMP OBJECTIVES: There's a new coach, new attitude and plenty of new faces on
the 2012 Buccaneers roster, not to mention plenty of decisions that await Greg
Schiano as the ex-Rutgers program architect begins his first season in charge.
The most interesting of the many camp battles that will take place at this
year's camp is at running back, where fumble-prone incumbent LeGarette Blount
faces a stern challenge from rookie Doug Martin, whom Tampa Bay selected with
the 31st overall choice in April's draft. Two other premium 2012 picks, safety
Mark Barron (1st Round, Alabama) and outside linebacker Lavonte David (2nd
Round, Nebraska), have the inside track at starting jobs on an overhauled
defense where 16th-year veteran Ronde Barber is being moved to free safety
after a long and successful run at right cornerback. The main focus of the
Schiano regime, however, will be getting quarterback Josh Freeman back on
track after the strong-armed 24-year-old regressed badly last season following
an excellent 2010 campaign. The Tampa field general will have an exciting new
weapon to work with after the Bucs landed prized free-agent wideout Vincent
Jackson in the offseason, while ex-Colts tight end Dallas Clark will attempt
to further boost a remodeled receiving corps if he's able to bounce back from
two straight injury-plagued years.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
Aug. 10 - at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 17 - vs. Tennessee, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 24 - vs. New England, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 29 - at Washington, 7:30 p.m.
The Sports Network