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Penn brings quick feet, athleticism to Bucs' offensive line

News Channel 8 photo by BOB HANSEN

Donald Penn has made 29 consecutive starts at left tackle for the Buccaneers.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 22, 2009

Updated: 06/22/2009 11:26 am

TAMPA - In his 29 consecutive starts at left tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Donald Penn has taken on all comers.

John Abraham, come on down.

Jared Allen, give me your best shot.

Julius Peppers, what do you have?

When you compile a list of Tampa Bay's underpublicized performers, Donald Penn bats leadoff.

"I'd say Penn's a pretty good player,'' Allen said after Minnesota's Pro Bowl defensive end was limited to two tackles and zero sacks in a 19-13 loss at Raymond James Stadium last November.

Aside from quarterback, left tackle is considered the most crucial offensive position in the National Football League. The men who protect the quarterback's blind side are usually well compensated and difficult to find on the free-agent market.

Until Penn receives his big payday, the $2.8 million tender offer he signed as a restricted free agent will have to do.

"Donald's a two-year starter who is steadily making a name for himself,'' Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. "He's a very good athlete, and he has the one thing you need the most at the position – good feet.''

Those feet have been idle for most of the offseason as Penn declined to participate in most of Tampa Bay's voluntary workouts.

"It's good to be back with the fellas. … I've missed them,'' Penn said after last week's mandatory minicamp. "I've been home with my family, but [Coach] Raheem [Morris] and I have been talking every week. I'm not at the weight I want to be, but I'm good. I'll be ready to go by [training] camp.''

Despite 44 starts at Utah State, Penn was undrafted in 2006. He signed with the Vikings and caught Dominik's eye during the preseason.

He was supposed to learn his craft behind veteran Luke Petitgout, but an injury forced Penn into a starting spot in Week 5 against Indianapolis, and defensive end Dwight Freeney welcomed him to pro football.

Former Bucs line coach Bill Muir was reluctant to say anything positive about Penn because he feared praise would go straight to his head.

"Muir told me some good stuff after the season,'' Penn said. "I love that guy. Without him, I wouldn't have had this opportunity. He coached me up and stayed on me every minute.''

Penn and his linemates are now working with assistant coach Pete Mangurian, hoping to provide dynamic play up front for a new offensive system.

"This line can do anything,'' Penn said. "Every one of us is athletic, and now it's our time to produce. I love the challenges ahead of us. We love not getting any credit as a team. We like to step up from out of nowhere and bite you.''

When he's not keeping sack masters out of the Bucs' backfield, Penn provides teammates with comic relief.

"He's the type of guy who can talk anyone into just about anything,'' right tackle Jeremy Trueblood said. "Penn can sell anything because he'll talk you to death. The guy just outlasts you.''

Defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkinson has learned to appreciate the man who craves respect.

"Anytime you go against the guys Donald Penn faces every week and you hold your own, you're doing something right,'' Wilkinson said. "He's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder, but that's all right - a lot of us around here do.''

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