Just got back from the stadium where the Bucs went through their latest off-season training session.  Going to Ray Jay is more for the rookies so they can "soak" up the Sunday stage.  The veterans can't stand these OTA's, but go anyway.  At least most of them, with RB Earnest Graham deciding to do the "no show."

   I asked Head Coach Jon Gruden today about Graham.  I'm going to paraphrase what he told me.  Gruden said Graham has missed these OTA's before, but "you know Michael Bennett is looking good."  Not your ringing endorsement for the veteran running back looking for more cash from the cofers.

   I also asked Gruden today about Jeff Garcia's hopes for a contract extension.  Gruden's answer was certainly construed by me, at least, as a endorsement for the veteran QB, and Gruden felt Garcia's contract situationt will be taken care of in time.

  I also spoke to 2nd round draft pick Dexter Jackson, the WR out of Appalachian State. He's not as small as I thought.  He's a good 5-9, with jets.  I liked the way he carried himself in today's interview.  He has charisma.  He also wears the #1 jersey, which I pointed out that could be looked as ostentatious, or cocky.  Jackson said that okay, he can't wait to help this team out the way he knows how.

  Most of the rookies stood around today.  Gruden doesn't like to have players out there that don't know what their doing.  My guess is in about a month, he'll be pressing them on their playbook acumen.

  Stay tuned Sunday for Sportszone.  Scott Reynolds from Pewter Report and I will have the latest on the boys in Pewter and Red. 

   Tom Korun