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Dynamic White Back On Track

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 27, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - DE Greg White was his usual dynamic self Saturday, repeatedly angling past the opposition during one-on-one blocking drills.

That's good news for Tampa Bay fans wondering how much White can improve after topping the Bucs with eight sacks as a first-year NFL player.

White didn't report with the rest of the players Friday afternoon, but he signed a contract worth $370,000 after attempting to hold out for a better deal.

He was an exclusive-rights free agent, meaning Tampa Bay was the only team that could negotiate with the former Arena League standout, who earned $285,000 last season.

"We worked on trying to get a long-term deal and it didn't work out, so we did what was in our best interests and signed the tender," said White, who also led Tampa Bay with seven forced fumbles and is being moved to the left side this year.

"I'm here to play football," White said. "I wanted to be here for my teammates and my coaches. It was tough, but I think I made the right decision."

To make room for White, the Bucs released CB Jonathan Hefney.

Rookie Talib Optimistic After First Practice

First-round draft pick Aqib Talib completed his first camp practice Saturday and was cautiously optimistic about his inaugural performance.

The rookie cornerback out of Kansas is expected to compete for playing time against incumbent starter Phillip Buchanon and free-agent acquisition Eugene Wilson.

Gruden said Talib got turned around often during Saturday's practice, but the rookie believes it is all part of a maturation process.

"You can't really prepare for game scenarios like that noncontact practices," Talib said. "You kind of act like it's a game out here, but you can't really prepare for that stuff. You just got to get it as it goes."

The Bucs are expected to practice for the first time in pads Monday.

Don't Take It Personal

Gruden was asked if he has contacted Jeff Garcia to make sure Tampa Bay's returning starting quarterback isn't bothered by the constant speculation about Brett Favre coming to Tampa.

Garcia has been excused from camp this weekend so he can attend a reunion of his father's junior college championship football team in California.

"We're creating a real drama here with these questions. I don't know if it's that tear-jerking and emotional to address it any more than we have," Gruden said. "What we talk about is confidential. Garcia's very confident in his own ability. I think his game tape over his last 20 starts in this league prove he's not afraid of anything. He understands pro football, and he's eager to get in here with his teammates and compete."

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