This update is slightly behind schedule, but it is here now. Buccaneers mini camp opened last Tuesday and it was a newsworthy day for the Bucs. One of the reasons it was newsworthy is that despite it being mandatory there were some that missed. It was missed by blog favorite Amobi Okoye. He had a pretty good excuse though. Okoye had arthroscopic knee surgery that caused him to miss that date.Okoye elected to have the surgery now, rather than have further complications down the road. The procedure he underwent is considered relatively minor. He is expected to make a full recovery and be back in time for training camp in late July. I'll try to go to a day or two of training camp before the season starts and post about it here. It is unfortunate that Okoye missed mini camp, but good that he won't be out for long.
Da'Quan Bowers also was not at mini-camp as he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Don't expect Bowers on the field this season. The other person to miss was DT Brian Price, the former UCLA standout. Price, heading into his 3rd season, was excused from Day 1 of the mini camp.
Eric Wright finally showed up for the Bucs as they install their new defense. Wright is a guy who has high expectations, as he just signed a 37.5 million dollar contract.
Finally, Preston Parker is impressing at Bucs camp. I had a class with Preston Parker and I have to say that he is a very entertaining character. Obviously, as a FSU guy, I have always been impressed with his talent. However, as an FSU guy I was frustrated with a lot of his off the field antics. It appears at least that Parker has put it together, and I really hope that he has. The sky is the limit for this guy if he has put it together. In fact, Josh Freeman has said that Parker is one of the most improved players that the Bucs have. Wide receiver is very competitive for the Bucs now though, because they signed Vincent Jackson. Josh Freeman has got to be happy with this receiving corps.Former Alabama safety Mark Barron remains unsigned.
-Noland
