Freeman, other Bucs rookies choose uniform numbers

By TBO.COM | Staff
Published: April 28, 2009

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TAMPA - Josh Freeman has made his first important decision as a Buccaneer quarterback.

The first-round pick out of Kansas State chose to wear a No. 5 jersey for his rookie season and Tampa Bay's other five draft picks have also claimed uniform numbers.

Throughout the 33-year history of the Bucs, the No. 5 jersey has usually been worn by kickers and punters, although quarterback Bruce Gradkowski wore both No. 5 and No. 7 during his short Tampa Bay tenure.

Rookie defensive tackle Roy Miller will wear the No. 93 used by Kevin Carter the past two seasons and defensive end Kyle Moore chose No. 94, assigned to Patrick Chukwurah in 2008.

Tackle Xavier Fulton, a fifth-round pick, selected No. 68. Cornerback E.J. Biggers is going with No. 31, worn by Phillip Buchanon in Tampa since 2006, and rookie wide receiver Sammie Stroughter chose No. 18.

The Bucs will hold a mini-camp for rookies this weekend at the team facility.