Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Sports

TBO > Sports

Wilkerson Staking Claim To Starting Spot

By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 31, 2009

What area of the Bucs' defense concerns you the most?

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are several months away from opening day, but it appears Jimmy Wilkerson is the top candidate to play left defensive end in 2009.

Wilkerson played right end and defensive tackle last season, but Tampa Bay had a void when it did not re-sign Kevin Carter, the Bucs' starting left end for two consecutive seasons.

There was discussion about trying to move Stylez White from right end to left, but because that experiment was unsuccessful last season, Wilkerson appears to be the No.1 option right now.

"Just watching the tapes of the offseason, he's a very good football player," Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Jim Bates said. "He can play defensive end for us. He can go inside on third down and be an excellent rusher. There is a lot of versatility he brings to the team."

Wilkerson's versatility is working in his favor, especially since he played left end at the University of Oklahoma.

Last season, Wilkerson had five sacks, tied for second on the team with White behind Gaines Adams' 6 1/2, and 28 tackles. Wilkerson has tried to gain speed by cutting his weight down from 280 pounds a few months ago to 260.

The biggest adjustment Wilkerson is making is relearning how to rush from the left side, but the naturally left-handed athlete is optimistic he may finally find a defensive home.

"I think it's a good change," Wilkerson said. "It puts me in a better position to get better pass rushing. I've been playing inside and out for six years. By the time preseason and the regular season rolls around, I'll be ready to go."

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

Share this: