Andre Hall mentioned in Bucs Reset

[TyBull]

Well, the running backs and that rookie, Williams, got plenty of attention alright, but not due to any uncertainty. Williams looked sharp from day one at camp and, after getting only a few cursory carries in the preseason, exploded onto the scene with the most prolific three-game debut in NFL history. After racking up 434 rushing yards in those first three contests, Williams fought through a foot injury to set a team rookie record with 1,176 yards, winning NFL Rookie of the Year honors in the process.

Obviously, even with a very productive Pittman still on hand, Williams is going to be the focal point of the Bucs’ rushing attack. That being said, the team feels it has excellent depth at the position, which obviously means the competition for spots will be very strong. Of course, the team could go into 2006 with the same backs it took out of 2005: Williams, Pittman, Graham and Watson.

Pittman was outstanding in a complimentary role in ’05, rushing for 436 yards and 6.2 yards per carry and catching 36 passes. He even assumed the kickoff return role late in the year. Pittman will turn 31 towards the end of camp, but he remains in ridiculously good shape and has less mileage on his legs than many other 30-something NFL backs.

Graham got only 28 carries last year with Williams and Pittman around, but the team loves his versatility (he could play fullback in a pinch) and hard-nosed running style. The 25-year-old Watson is even more of an unproven commodity, having yet to notch a regular-season NFL carry, but the team showed how much it valued his potential when it activated him to the active roster last fall rather than lose him to another team.

Hall and Lewis are smaller backs who could fight for a third-down type of role. Hall is the local hero who racked up the yards at South Florida while Lewis will go into his second Buccaneer camp after a strong showing in the NFLEL this spring. Both might also be kickoff return candidates.

The Bucs generally carried six running backs last year, including two fullbacks. That number can go up or down slightly depending upon how many receivers and tight ends make the squad.

[applepj]

Yeah for Andre!

[Triple B]

It doesn't really paint a positive outlook for Andre's chances. I didn't realize they had a guy coming back from NFLEL ..... Andre will have to really show some stuff to make it.

[smazza]

yeah for usf