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Bucs' Phillips: 'Long way to go' in switch to LB

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2009

TAMPA - You can change his position, but don't mess with Jermaine Phillips' jersey number.

After seven NFL seasons at strong safety, Tampa Bay's 30-year-old aggressive hitter is attempting a shift to weakside linebacker.

Rookie head coach Raheem Morris and new defensive coordinator Jim Bates have presented Phillips with a daunting challenge in succeeding Derrick Brooks, the 11-time Pro Bowler and franchise icon released three months ago.

"I think I'm improving, but I still have a long, long way to go,'' Phillips said Thursday. "I won't be comfortable with it until I know it. In certain areas, I've excelled. In others, I'm not where I need to be, but wherever this team needs me, that's where I'll be.''

Even if the transition to outside linebacker proves successful, Phillips has no intentions of giving up his familiar No. 23.

"One of the stipulations was that when I switch positions, I get to keep my number,'' said the former University of Georgia standout, who has suffered two fractured forearms since the 2004 season.

If the Bucs are sold on moving Phillips to linebacker, third-year pro Sabby Piscitelli is expected to start at strong safety. Wherever Phillips plays, Morris is counting on him to provide veteran leadership.

"Besides Ronde [Barber], I've been here the longest,'' Phillips said, "and I know how things are done around here. To be a good team, it's not about the talent – it's about the way you come together. From what I can see, the competition level out here is at an all-time high. One thing I know for sure is that competition brings out the best in everyone.''

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