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Leftwich, Barber among five voted as 2009 Bucs captains

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 9, 2009

TAMPA - Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris released the names of this year's team captains, which were voted on by the players.

Center Jeff Faine and quarterback Byron Leftwich are the offensive captains, cornerback Ronde Barber and tackle Chris Hovan are the defensive representatives, while safety Will Allen will represent special teams.

"I was very proud," Morris said. "It wasn't a popularity contest. I told those guys before I left, if you're voting on captains, you pick the guys who have been doing the right things – the right things around here, the right things off the field, the right things with the media, the right examples in the lunchroom, the right examples in the classroom, the right examples on the football field."

Morris was highly complimentary of each player. He noted Barber practiced hard this offseason to remain an elite cornerback, Hovan participated in the majority of voluntary workouts, Faine fought through a groin injury in training camp and Allen went from a starter to special teams standout and will be a part of Tampa Bay's secondary again.

He also spoke highly of Leftwich, who has become the offensive leader in only a few months.

"Coming off the street, (he) battled for the job of quarterback," Morris said. "(He) earned enough respect of his teammates to get enough votes to become a captain, earned enough respect from his coaches to be named the starting quarterback. Coming into the room with a No. 1 draft pick (to) lead him, direct him, and show him the way, not be selfish. That's hard to do."

Injury report

Cornerback E.J. Biggers (shoulder), TE John Gilmore (ankle) and LB Adam Hayward (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Their playing status for Sunday has not been determined. Wide receivers Antonio Bryant (knee) and Michael Clayton (hamstring) participated fully and it appears they will play.

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