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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

VOTE: All-Fundamentals Team Captain

USA Football has selected Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy as a member of the 2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team, which honors 26 NFL players – 11 offense, 11 defense and four special teams – who exhibit exemplary football techniques for young players to emulate.

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The sixth annual USA Football All-Fundamentals Team recognizes NFL players who employ proper technique, particularly when blocking and tackling, which fosters better on-field performance and advances player safety.

McCoy plays with leverage and an explosive get off as well as anyone in the NFL. His hand technique at the point of attack gives him the ability to manipulate blockers in small spaces. He also is able to get "skinny" when necessary, turning his shoulders and hips to maneuver through small gaps and get to the football.

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Each player chosen for the All-Fundamentals Team will receive a $1,000 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football program of his choice. USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, is the official youth football development partner of the Buccaneers, the NFL and each of the league's other 31 teams.

A fan vote will determine All-Fundamentals Team captains at www.facebook.com/usafootball. Fans may vote for one captain on offense, defense and special teams. USA Football will award each of the three captains a $2,000 equipment grant to donate. Voting is open through Dec. 22.

USA Football educates more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the United States.

The USA Football All-Fundamentals Team was assembled with guidance from a five-person selection committee:

  • CHARLES DAVIS, USA Football spokesperson, football analyst for NFL Network and FOX Sports
  • HERM EDWARDS, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL head coach
  • MERRIL HOGE, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL running back
  • CARL PETERSON, USA Football chairman, former NFL team executive and assistant coach
  • BILL POLIAN, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL general manager

More on past USA Football All-Fundamentals Team players' techniques is available at: www.usafootball.com/all-fundamentals-team.

2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Offense:

*POSITION       *

NAME, TEAM

*        *

Quarterback

Peyton Manning, Broncos

Running back

Matt Forte, Bears

Fullback

John Kuhn, Packers

Wide receiver

Golden Tate, Lions

Reggie Wayne, Colts

Tight end

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

Tackle

Jason Peters, Eagles

Joe Thomas, Browns

Guard

Zack Martin, Cowboys

Marshal Yanda, Ravens

Center

Ryan Kalil, Panthers

2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Defense:

*POSITION       *

NAME, TEAM

* *

End

Cameron Wake, Dolphins

Sheldon Richardson, Jets

Tackle

Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers

Kyle Williams, Bills

Linebacker

Khalil Mack, Raiders

Luke Kuechly, Panthers

Tamba Hali, Chiefs

Cornerback

Vontae Davis, Colts

Terence Newman, Bengals

Safety

Ryan Clark, Redskins

Earl Thomas, Seahawks

* *

2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Special Teams:

*POSITION       *

NAME, TEAM

Return specialist

Jacoby Jones, Ravens

Kicker

Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals

Punter

Jon Ryan, Seattle Seahawks

Long snapper

Cullen Loeffler, Vikings

About USA Football: Indianapolis-based USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is the sport's national governing body, leading the game's development for youth, high school and other amateur players. The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards rooted in education. USA Football advances coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics.

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