By Kyra Hallett
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made their final roster cuts Friday. Most of the cuts were expected but some were very shocking. The one that caught me off guard, and got me very upset was Tiquan Underwood.
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Underwood was a break-out star, in my eyes, in training camp and in preseason games. The guy tried his hardest, and made an impression on most people that saw him play. He never dropped balls and made plays that most other receivers did not complete in camp. He caught nine passes for 158 yards during exhibition play.
Underwood has not found the right fit yet. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009 and signed to their practice squad but was cut in 2011. That is when the New England Patriots signed him. He went back-and-forth a few times with them, even going to their practice squad before getting cut the night before they played in the Super Bowl. Now, as a Buc, it was looking like he was going to make a roster out of training camp and even help a team win. But I guess the Bucs had other ideas.
Other cuts included April pick-up Amobi Okoye but the Bucs got out of the deal due to his injury. One of the fun names to say, Mossis Madu, has also been cut. The Bucs had too many running backs to keep Madu on board.
But one player the Bucs have kept, made me very happy. Cornerback, Leonard Johnson has made the team. Due to the injured EJ Biggers, the Clearwater native Johnson, has the chance to help his hometown team win.
The Bucs will face the Carolina Panthers this weekend at Raymond James Stadium. The game is not sold out yet and is in danger of being a blacked out.
I was so impressed with Tiquan also. He was the name I kept hearing the announcers talking about as being good. I believe with his love and dedication to football something much better is there for him. He’s also a great awesome gentleman. Love Ya Ti