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Wilkerson finally a starter on Bucs D-line

Tribune photo by CLIFF MCBRIDE

Jimmy Wilkerson is expected to play a major role on the Bucs' revamped defensive line in 2009.

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

arichardson@tampatrib.com

Published: June 19, 2009

Updated: 06/19/2009 12:48 am

TAMPA - Bucs defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson's wait is over.

Wilkerson played the past six seasons primarily on special teams. Kansas City allowed Wilkerson to start in only five of 72 games from 2003 to 2007 before letting him walk after that season. He signed with the Bucs last year, and he hoped they would recognize what the Chiefs did not.

The Buccaneers have.

Wilkerson had five sacks while playing defensive tackle and defensive end last season. Tampa Bay rewarded Wilkerson by naming him its starting left end opposite former first-round pick Gaines Adams, a decision validated as the offseason program concluded Thursday.

"You can't say enough positive things about what Jimmy Wilkerson has done since he's been here," Coach Raheem Morris said. "He's been a hard, go get 'em worker in everything he's asked to do - special teams, inside rusher. Whatever you can think positive about Jimmy Wilkerson, you can say about him."

Wilkerson's improvement this offseason spoke for him.

He slimmed down from 290 pounds to 265, but he added muscle and strength and improved his quickness. Coaches say the 6-foot-2 Wilkerson has been one of the hardest workers this offseason, and they expect him to fill the void left by former left end Kevin Carter, who was not re-signed.

"How he got out of Kansas City, I've yet to know," Tampa Bay defensive line coach Todd Wash said. "We are so pleased with what he's doing. We feel that we haven't lost a step in that position.

"He's here every day. And I think he knew coming into this season that he was going to have more of a role and more snaps a game. Jimmy has really taken care of himself weight room-wise, conditioning-wise, and he's out there going 100 miles an hour every snap. That's a credit to him as to how hard he works in the offseason."

Tampa Bay needs Wilkerson's efforts to help its pass rush during the regular season.

The Bucs defense ranked 19th in sacks per pass play last year. Tampa Bay failed to record a sack in three consecutive October games - Denver, Carolina and Seattle - and had five sacks in its final five games.

Wilkerson is optimistic the schemes implemented by new defensive coordinator Jim Bates will improve Tampa Bay's pass rush this season.

"I think it's all about buying into the system and what they are trying to show to us and give to us so we can use those tools on the field," Wilkerson said. "Second thing is, it's all about being comfortable with the guys right next to you.

"When I'm inside and Gaines is on the outside, we have an understanding and a better feel than if I'm out there with a first-year guy, or even a second-year guy, because we've been doing that ever since I came here last year. I'm a lot more comfortable."

Wilkerson can finally be at ease after being named a starter, but his wait to become a standout left end has begun.

"My deal is, when organized team activities and minicamp are over and we have that long period of time off, we have to have that mind-set of, 'OK, just because we have this time off does not mean we don't have to work.' We've still got to come in and work," Wilkerson said. "We've got to come in and continue to work the system so by the time we go to training camp, we are still on the same page.

"That's the mind-set I have for myself, and if I was a coach, the mind-set I'd hope my players had."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425.

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