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Urrutia an instant sensation at Bucs training camp

News Channel 8 photo by MICHAEL EGGER

Mario Urrutia, the newest Buccaneer, was the center of attention at training camp Thursday.

By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 7, 2009

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TAMPA – The Bucs unveiled a potential new weapon during Friday's practice as young quarterbacks Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson received the bulk of the snaps before an impressive turnout.

Former Louisville standout Mario Urrutia, just signed in response to a flurry of injuries at wide receiver, dazzled the crowd by turning a simple slant into a 70-yard score, outrunning Tampa Bay's secondary and commanding the attention of the coaching staff.

"I'm not going to the movies to watch 'G.I. Joe' with the rest of the guys this afternoon," said assistant head coach Richard Mann, in charge of the receiving corps. "Instead, I'm going in the basement with the new guy and I'm gonna coach him up."

Urrutia was a seventh round pick by the Bengals in 2008 after catching 130 passes for Louisville. When the Jets released him this week, the Bucs wasted little time adding him to the 80-man roster and dropping RB Josh Vaughan.

"He had a lot of production at Louisville," said Director of College Scouting Dennis Hickey. "Mario has good size and he's a tough guy who can move. It was great to see him out here making plays."

Antonio Bryant, who had been nursing a sore knee, returned to practice Friday and made a sensational touchdown catch, but fans left the complex talking about the 6-foot-6 Urrutia, who wore No. 19.

"I didn't expect to get thrown in the fire so fast, but I love it," he said.

Freeman and Johnson received most of the reps and appeared to capitalize on their opportunities.

"They went out there and handled themselves well," said head coach Raheem Morris. "Our offense didn't look ragged with those guys. They were cautious with the ball – but not scared. Those guys are growing up fast."

Second-year linebacker Geno Hayes enjoyed a standout practice, making plays all over the field while flashing the quickness that made him a standout at FSU.

Tackle Jeremy Trueblood (back), running back Clifton Smith (hamstring) and DT Greg Peterson (knee) were added to an injury list that has grown in the past few days.

Friday's scheduled afternoon session was canceled by Morris on Thursday and practice will resume with two sessions Saturday before the first off day of training camp.

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