Bucs Add Former USF Linebacker McKenzie To Practice Squad

[USFishin]

PewterReport.com: Bucs Add Former USF Linebacker McKenzie To Practice Squad

Wolf Heard

Beat Writer & Videographer

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added a local prospect to their practice squad with the signing of linebacker Tyrone McKenzie. McKenzie played his collegiate ball inside Raymond James Stadium with the University of South Florida from 2007-2008.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound McKenzie entered the league has a third-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2009. He tore the ACL in his right knee his rookie season and missed the year. He was released by the Patriots earlier this season before being placed on their practice squad after clearing waivers.

At USF McKenzie earned second-team All Big East honors in 2007 and first-team honors in 2008. He finished his collegiate career with 369 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.

PewterReport.com

[tau.reanb]

It still baffles me as to why the Patriots released McKenzie. 

[redfisher78]

Awesome for Tyrone and the Bucs

[RHBullsFan]

good for TMac...Bucs linebacking core is VERY suspect. He could make an impact in Tampa Bay

[Bull Martin]

It still baffles me as to why the Patriots released McKenzie. 

The Pats have been pretty good with personnel moves the last several seasons.  They'd know more about his injury recovery than most.

Also, I believe they paid his rookie contract in full even though he was on IR all last season.  They may have thought the cost/benefit ratio on his salary was diminished post injury.

Hopefully he's still got it and can make a solid impact with the Bucs.

[bulldozier1]

I hope that they groom him to replace Barrett Ruud. That guy is the worst starting MLB in the entire league.

[deters-]

It still baffles me as to why the Patriots released McKenzie. 

McKenzie asked for his release from the practice squad in New England to tryout for other teams. The Patriots didn't cut him from PS. Guy was making almost 175k on the PS so he must have thought he could make the 53 for another team.

[The Great 8]

This cat is so much better than a practice squad player. If Kion Wilson (a good player in his own right) made the 53 man roster of the Chargers, T-Mac should be able to do it somewhere too. Even if it is only in a special teams capacity. Though, maybe that's not what he wants I suppose.

Hope he breaks into the 53 man..

[crambone]

It still baffles me as to why the Patriots released McKenzie. 

Because they suck.  Good for T-Mac.

[BleedGreenAndGold]

Every time I hear something about T-Mac I remember that hit in the '07 WVU game.  The whole stadium: "Oooooooh"