Training camp report: Bucs go under the lights

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken the field for the first practice of training camp at One Buc Place. Not among the lucky 4,000 who have tickets? Not to worry. We've got you covered.

Here is a look at the opening session of training camp, as it happened. Check back throughout the day for the latest news, notes and developments.

8:48: Tampa Bay has just wrapped up practice and everybody has a smile on their face. Tampa Bay will resume practice tomorrow at One Buc Place at 2:15 pm.

8:42: OK, we spent most of last year ripping apart Dexter Jackson, but he is actually making plays in this evening's practice. He has found a way to get open and is diving for balls. Yes, he is catching them and is not afraid of contact. Maybe the light bulb has go on for him.

8:11: One thing is becoming very evident during tonight's practice and that is QB Byron Leftwich has a cannon for an arm.

Leftwich and WR Antonio Bryant seem to be forming a great connection. The quarterback has found his favorite target several times during seven-on-seven drills. Leftwich has shown the ability to throw the deep ball, and display his arm strength, during practice tonight. After one strong pass Bryant remaked "That was one hell of a pass." You can say that about most of Leftwich's attempts tonight.

7:51:We have our first real highlight of the evening practice and in keeping with the order of the day it came on a deep throw.

On this one, QB Byron Leftwich hit Michael Clayton, who out-leaped Tanard Jackson to make the catch.

7:44:Luke McCown tried to go deep to Antonio Bryant, but Aqib Talib flashed some closing speed and broke up the pass near the goalline. Meet the new left cornerback.

7:36: Mike Nugent's shoes must be filled with dynamite. The ball explodes off the kicker's foot.

7:36:Tampa Bay DE Louis Holmes is currently at practice wearing a boot on his left foot and is on crutches. He has an ankle sprain and is being held out of practice.

7:23:The team is doing positions drills now. To help the fans understand. what they're watching, the video boards showed pre-taped comments from the coaches explaining the drills and what they're trying to accomplish. A little football lesson. Kinda cool.

7:04:The quarterbacks are wearing yellow jerseys to set them apart from the other players. That never happened in Jon Gruden's camps, and it didn't happen during the team's mandatory minicamp in June. Remember, that was when Byron Leftwich was knocked off his feet by an overly aggressive pass rusher. Maybe that prompted the yellow jerseys. They certainly stand out.

7:02:Practice has not started yet, but attendance is far from what anybody expected. Even coach Raheem Morris said there were a few people missing while being interviewed on the field. That being said, we will see what kind of performance Tampa Bay puts on for the fans who are here.

6:57:Special teams will dominate opening drills. It's not the most exciting way to start practice, but it's necessary.

6:51:It's just practice, but the team is trying to create a game-day feel: the video boards are showing the players, music is blaring, the cheerleaders are cheering and beads are being thrown into the stands. No cannon fire - yet.

6:47: Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB continues to show that he wants to lead this team. McCown led the Bucs onto the field for their first practice at Raymond James Stadium. Prior to morning practice, McCown was the first player on the field. It is obvious he badly wants to lead Tampa Bay.

6:45: The team ran out of the tunnel similar to game day - except players are wearing "shells." Jerseys, shoulder pads, shorts and helmets.

6:30: At Ray-J for the team's first practice under the lights and attendance is slim so far. Will see what happens at 6:45

11:54: We just saw the best and worst of third-cornerback candidate Elbert Mack. The best was an interception of a Byron Leftwich pass that Mack leapt high in the air to snag. The worst came one play later, unfortunately, when Josh Freeman and Antonio Bryant hooked up to burn last year's training camp darling for a long touchdown pass.

11:50: After a break at practice, Dexter Jackson, one of the players clearly on the hot seat here, came up with the play of the day so far. Going against double coverage, rookie QB Josh Freeman hit Jackson on a 30-yard fade route at the goal line for a touchdown, much to the delight of the heavy and enthusiastic (albeit quite warm) crowd.

11:28: The competition between kickers Matt Bryant and Mike Nugent is underway. Each was a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals from 40 and 44 yards. It won't make many headlines, but this is among the intriguing position battles in camp.

11:24: We apparently have the first injury of training camp. During 11-on-11 drills, reserve defensive end Louis Holmes limped off the field and was then subsequently carted away. We'll have more once we get an official update.

11:17: So far, the defense is getting the better of the zone-blocking running game.

11:14: Defensive end Greg ... Um, Stylez G White just laid the first big hit of camp on running back Clifton Smith during full-squad drills. It looked like the hit stung White a bit.

11:01: The offense lined up for it's 11-man snap with quarterback Luke McCown under center. New tight end Kellen Winslow was flagged for a false start.

10:58: Tampa Bay coaches are taking their time teaching Jermaine Phillips how to play linebacker. Phillips, a converted safety, appears somewhat hesitant as he's going through drills this morning.

10:56: Rookie quarterback Josh Freeman's throw are a bit off the mark - nerves maybe?

10:54: Fans just gave Clayton a nice hand for a one-handed catch on an out-route during drills.

10:48: Running back Cadillac Williams is moving well - sharp cuts and smooth shifting during a running drill. Looks like he'll be a factor in the backfield.

10:40: We're finally seeing the first 11-on-11 drills this morning, the first-team offense going against the backups on defense. Interesting to note that Luke McCown is taking the first snaps at quarterback.

10:35: So far, all the drills are by position groups. Quarterbacks are throwing to receivers and tight ends. Projected starters Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton are at the front of the two receiving lines.

10:11 a.m.: Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio is here. She is on the sideline speaking with members of the media and Bucs representatives.

10:05 a.m.: Several players, including running back Earnest Graham, are signing autographs before practice.

10:00 a.m.: The first person on the field is quarterback Luke McCown. He is warming up and getting loose. The Bucs will be in full pads this morning.