College Days:

In his redshirt freshman season at Miss. St. Nick Fitzgerald backed up Dak Prescott. For the remaining three years in Starkville, it was all his team. If he had a better team around him during those years, there’s no telling how far the team could have gone. Fitz became the all-time leading rusher at QB in the SEC (3,607), breaking Tim Tebow’s record. Shattering records for career rushing 100-yard games by a QB (21), Most 100-yard rushing games by a QB in a season (8), and single-season average yards per rush (7.1). Had his passing stats been anywhere that good. He would have been a sure-fire first-round pick. His numbers passing weren’t too shabby though. For his Career, he finished with 55 touchdowns, 6,207-yards, and with a rating of near 118.2. A guy that would be perfect for that change of pace QB, that teams like the Saints are giving 2-6 plays a game.

Undrafted, Nick signs an FA contract with Tampa Bay:

Nick knows that he is going to have to do whatever is asked of him by Bruce Almighty Arians and staff. Making himself too important to cut, are his plans. Arians had this to say about Fitzgerald,

“Nick’s one of those intriguing guys because as a quarterback he can do a lot of things for you and I think back to Joe Webb, some of those guys who were running quarterbacks they found a niche playing special teams, being your third quarterback, maybe playing some other position as a guy to get you out of games. So, that would be his role if he can win it and groom him as a quarterback.”

 

Fitzgerald had this to say at the same press conference:

“Going through the whole process since I left college, everybody always said, ‘Hey, you can play multiple positions,’ and I’m completely fine with that. I’d love to get on special teams, have a chance to do that, maybe go run some routes, do something. I’m always open to doing whatever I can. Make the team first and then obviously help the team while I’m on it. Whatever they ask, I’m willing to do.”

 

He’s the kind of player that is a difference maker. The same kind of player Tim Tebow could have been had he not insisted on only playing QB. There is no doubt he has the ability to play multiple positions. It should be fun to watch him in pre-season fighting for a spot. I truly hope he makes the team. I would love to see him behind center as a changeup to Winston. Just another subplot to the upcoming season, and hopefully a 3rd string QB will come out of it. Don’t blink this season, or you will surely miss something.

It seems like Devin White is already living up to expectations, and the pads haven’t even been put on yet.

It’s been long known by Arians and company that White wasn’t shy on the field and had no problem being a leader. It’s showing already, and Arians couldn’t be more pleased.

“Yeah, Devin’s not shy, that’s what we like about it, and he jumped out. He knows the defense quickly for today’s installation and wasn’t bashful about calling the defense and getting everybody lined up.”

 

It seems like the rookies are fitting in on the defense, which is a great sign. We can expect the Buccaneers defense to be much more improved. Devin White also continues to impress his head coach, the staff, as well as his rookie teammates.

“I think all the young kids jumped out there right away and didn’t look like they had not been here and looked like they fit right in. I was really impressed with Devin’s interception. All those young guys have such good ball skills. Turnovers are something that we really preach about, and we got some today.”

 

In addition to impressing his rookie teammates, White has received high praise from veteran linebacker Lavonte David.

“Something about those LSU guys. All of them bring a certain type of energy, a certain type of swagger, and we’re glad to have him here. He is happy to be here. He’s more than ready to step in and contribute right away. The first day, he’s flying around and caught an interception on the second play of practice, so that’s a big positive sign. He’s happy to be here, and the first day, he is talking. For a rookie to come in and be talking like that, it’s really amazing to see, so the sky is the limit for him most definitely.”

 

The veteran linebacker also felt honored by the rookie looking up to him, but admitted that he too feels like a rookie again after having to learn his 5th different defensive scheme since being drafted in 2012.

“It means a lot. Obviously, I am the longest tenured guy in the room. I have been here for the longest. I feel honored, but it’s a whole new defense. I’m learning like I am a rookie again also. I and he are basically coming in at the same time. We’re going to learn together and try to turn this thing around together.”

 

White made waves being the first Buccaneers linebacker taken in the first round since Derrick Brooks and the first as high as #5 since Khalil Mack. Only Five linebackers have been taken in the top 5 in the last 10-years: Aaron Curry, Von Miller, Khalil Mack, Dante Fowler, and Devin White. White should continue making waves throughout training camp, and the preseason, making for one exciting player to watch.