Tyrone McKenzie Has His Chance

Former Bull Tyrone McKenzie has the chance to win the starting job at middle linebacker for the Bucs this season (Picture: www.collegefootballinsider.com)

The NFL finally ended their lockout and the hometown Bucs are back on the field starting this week as they prepare for a much anticipated season. While most of their roster is returning and ready to continue the success of 2010, there will be a new face starting at middle linebacker and at this moment, it could be a face USF fans remember well. [keep reading]

Linebacker Tyrone McKenzie (6-2 245-pounds) has emerged early in camp and has been taking a vast majority of the snaps with the 1st team defense, playing well and calling a lot of the defensive assignments. Many Bucs fans had mixed feeling about last year's MLB Barrett Ruud. Ruud was a smart player, had experience, but didn't always finish the play. Well, the speculation of him signing with the team is gone as he signed a 1-year deal with the Titans over the weekend, which leaves (at the very moment) McKenzie with a great chance.

McKenzie did play last season for the Bucs, making 5 tackles in very limited playing time, but has all the ability in the world. Before that, he was part of the Patriots organization, never getting onto the field.  His last season at USF (2008) McKenzie was one of the most versatile players on the field. He made 116 tackles, including 64 solo, 1 sack and 1 interception. The transfer from Iowa State made all the plays for the Bulls and will now get his pro-chance, the best chance he has ever had.

McKenzie will have to battle this year's 3-round draft choice, Mason Foster, a big, physical linebacker, but he does have the edge with the knowledge of the playbook to start the camp and so far the coaches continue to give him good reviews for his play on the field.

So while a free agent move is always around the corner and potentially he could be beat out, expect to see more of McKenzie on the field that made him a beloved player while at USF.