Five Players to Watch in Buccaneers’ Preseason Opener

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter reacts during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter reacts during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Dan Vitale (86) runs with the ball as Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) defends during training camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Dan Vitale (86) runs with the ball as Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) defends during training camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Vitale

Is it a bird?  Is it a plane?  No, it’s the “Super Back”!

Zach Sauers has covered this young man extensively, and with good reason.  The guy can do it all.  He can block, he can get key yards on the ground, and he can catch passes.  In four years at Northwestern, he posted 135 receptions for 1,427 yards and 11 touchdowns.  He showed an ability to make plays on the ground in limited exposure, averaging 4.8 yards per carry over six attempts.

I did say it was limited.

Next: Robert Ayers has that Necessary Nasty

According to Tony Medero of Scout.com, Vitale is making himself a name with his play in training camp.  Can his super back skill-set translate to the NFL field during a game?  It will be exciting to watch, and it starts Thursday.

Schedule