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Local high school coach joins Bucs staff for OTAs

TBO.com photo by BILL WARD

The 36-year-old Culpepper was invited to join the club by head coach Raheem Morris.

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By BILL WARD | TBO.com

Published: June 1, 2009

Updated: 06/02/2009 12:13 am

TAMPA - Tampa Bay Tech football coach C.C. Culpepper said he probably wouldn't sleep much Monday night. Anticipation and excitement over being part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff this week has gotten the best of him.

Starting today, Culpepper will join the Bucs for this week's organized team activities (OTA) as an assistant working with defensive backs.

"If the first coach gets there at 6:15 a.m., I'm probably going to be there at 6:14," Culpepper said. "I'm just going there and try to absorb the most that I can from a professional staff and do whatever they need me to do."

The 36-year-old Culpepper said he was invited to join the club for three days of training this week by Coach Raheem Morris. Culpepper and Morris met at the recent Sports Club of Tampa Bay Banquet, where Culpepper won the Golden Helmet award as the area's prep Coach of the Year.

The two have stayed in touch by e-mail and late last week, Culpepper said he was contacted by Morris' assistant, Jay Kaiser, and invited to this week's OTAs. Culpepper will receive coaches clothing and besides helping coach defensive backs, he will sit in on staff meetings during the week. For all intents and purposes, he will be a Bucs coach - minus the salary.

"It's a dream come true," said Culpepper, who last season led TBT to its first football playoff victory. "I love high school football but one day I'd love to coach at the college or even the pro level, too."

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