Buccaneers: Biggest Surprise Players of 2016

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter watches the scoreboard during a review late in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Keith Tandy (37) reacts after an interception during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Keith Tandy

My dad always told me to make the best of any opportunity because you never knew when the next one would come around. That’s exactly what I would think of when I watched Keith Tandy.

This kid was buried, unable to crack the starting lineup in four years. Yet, due to an injury to Chris Conte, he sees action and becomes absolutely dominant. Tandy ended back to back games with interceptions during the five game win streak, becoming an absolute ball hawk down the stretch.

The most impressive – and surprising – thing about Tandy is his drive for knowledge. Players and coaches regularly name Tandy when speaking about the most intelligent player on the team, citing his desire and drive to one day be a coach.

Before training camp, I may have predicted Keith Tandy to be the starter. However, I never dreamed he would’ve played to the level he did in 2016.

–James Yarcho

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