Buccaneers LB Lavonte David excited to face O.J. Howard
By James Yarcho
Buccaneers captain Lavonte David is looking forward to his opportunity to go against rookie O.J. Howard in training camp.
Nothing like a little competition in training camp to build that brotherhood and respect, right? That’s what Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David is looking forward to when it comes to squaring off against the Bucs’ top draft pick in tight end O.J. Howard.
Lavonte is a quiet, reserved kind of guy but he apparently enjoys a little trash talk now and then. When it comes to rookies, we all know there are some shots taken and a little bit of hazing going on – typically the ol’ “Hey rook, carry the pads” kind of fun – but it’s what happens on the field that really matters.
When asked about Howard, David was honest and open about what he expects as well as what he’s heard about the former Alabama star;
"“From what I’ve seen and from what I’ve heard, he’s a great athlete, great kid, big body, great football player. At camp, I’m looking forward to going up against everybody. Camp is one of those fun times when you get the chance to compete against each other and just go at one another and just have fun with it. That’s what I mostly do. Me and [tight end] Cam Brate [are] always trash talking, so hopefully me and O.J. start that little trash talking battle, but it is what it is. From what I’ve heard, he’s a great kid.”"
This team preaches family – and let’s be honest, they see each other more than they see their actual family so it makes sense that they view one another as 53 brothers rather than just teammates or co-workers. What’s the one thing brothers do better than anyone else? Pick on and talk trash to each other.
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Lavonte and Howard will get their chance soon enough as training camp is set to kick off in just a few short months.