Cornerback Jamel Dean
(On what he has learned so far about being in the NFL)
"I really came to understand that the little things really matter a lot. When you watch film, you see a false step that could separate you from having a PBU (pass break up) from an interception. It's like, 'Wow, I guess that's what separates [players] from being great and being good.'"
(On if any challenge is too big for him after coming back from a torn meniscus)
"Not really, because I always think back to [the fact that] I've been through worse. Now I've just got to continue pushing through like I've always been."
(On how it feels to finally put the pads back on)
"When you put the pads on, now it's actual football. So, you're really not being hesitant on trying not to hurt anybody because you know you've got your gear to protect you."
(On being part of a rookie class that was deemed mature by Head Coach Bruce Arians)
"It's an honor, because that's the first time I've ever [heard] a coach even say something that revolves around the freshman or rookie class. And now it feels like he has a lot of confidence in us to say that.
(On what he thinks about Todd Bowles' Defense)
"What I know is that Coach Bowles usually makes play calls based off who's on the field, and then he makes the call that's in our favor so we can play to our strengths."
Wide Receiver Justin Watson
(On how his physicality helps him in this offense)
"It definitely does [help]. That was probably the first thing B.A. (Head Coach Bruce Arians) talked about when he talked about the slot position. Watching tape from Arizona, you know Larry Fitzgerald was that guy. He was the leader of their receiver room and probably their best blocker. So, it's something that is definitely really important to this coaching staff."
(On how excited everyone is on the first day with the pads on)
"I think if you're going to be out there today, you'll see the noise level – whether guys are talking or just the pads are hitting, you'll definitely see it [rise]. A couple of us were talking, I don't think we've been out of pads for this long – for me since I was in high school. So, I'm definitely looking forward to putting the shoulder pads back on."
(On how good it feels to have the fans at the practices)
"It's awesome. It definitely makes it more fun hearing the roar of the crowd as the ball goes up in the air and coming down with it. It's fun. Anytime you're out there catching passes it's fun, but it's always a little extra special when the fans are out there."
(On a lesson he took away from his first season in the NFL)
"I've been telling a lot of these rookies - you know, I'm only in my second year – 'Don't count your reps, make your reps count." It's something I heard last year, and it stuck with me this year. I'm getting more reps this year, but it's not about how many you get, it's about what you do with those reps. So, I think [it's important] for keeping that same focus and keeping that same hunger that [I had] coming in as a rookie and making sure that year two I keep that same attitude."
-BUCCANEERS-
