So we all know how down I was to see LB Quincy Black's name cascade across the screen on Draft Day. Especially when the LB I wanted us to get in Buster Davis was chosen with the following pick via the Arizona Cardinals. Let me start off by saying I have nothing against Quincy Black and hope he has a hell of a career as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. I just thought that LB Buster Davis filled a glaring need on this football team and that was at Middle Linebacker. Not to mention he's a local product and we've had a ton of success with local guys (Sapp, Dunn, Brooks etc). Enough of that though, Meet Rookie LB Quincy Black:
Given Quincy's Physical Appearance I've gone ahead and nicknamed him "Pittman Jr.", I mean what else could his nickname be? Rock Monster Jr.? close .... Quincy stands 6'2 and weighs 226 lbs. Did I mention how HUGE his guns are? Anyway as a senior for the New Mexico Lobos Quincy finished with 114 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions, helping him earn first team All-MWC accolades. - ESPN.com. Believe it or not, Quincy Black had the highest vertical leap at the Combine, even out performing WR Calvin Johnson with a 41.5 vertical. He also ran a 4.4 40 yard dash. He's praised for his Top Notch physical skills and quickness.
Jon Gruden had this to say about Quincy after being selected in the NFL Draft:
"He can rush the passer as a blitzer. He’s a guy who has played in space and been very effective at times, and we got a very fast, explosive athlete who will be a linebacker for us." Gruden also added, "He’s an exciting guy. You’re going to like the way he runs around and hits, and we need it. He’s a great kid. He wants to be here and he wants to be a football player. With his traits and his overall athletic ability, we’re going to be hard-pressed not to put him on a field."
Black had this to say about his performance at his first ever Rookie Camp in the NFL:
"I think I’m picking it up pretty well," said Black. "My head’s not spinning, but it’s a very complicated defense and I don’t think they’ve thrown too much at us off the bat." [Quincy on his role with the team] "I expect to be a rookie," he said simply. "Everything else is for naught right now. I just expect to learn from the guys who have been here, the veterans, and try to pick up as much as I can from those guys."
I almost feel like I owe Quincy an apology with as much junk as I've been talking about the Bucs selecting him, but when it comes down to it, he appears to be a great candidate for our defense. I think even Quincy would have questioned the pick had he been in our fan bases shoes considering how Grudens/Allens late round picks have been working out lately (the word Release comes to mind). Quincy is clearly a physical specimen and will be a joy to follow this season. Between him and Sabatino this off-season just got that much more interesting. All I have to say is Barrett Ruud, Jermaine Phillips, and Will Allen better bring their A-Games this off-season.
Checkout this interview of LB Quincy Black taken shortly after he was taken by our Tampa Bay Bucs in this years NFL Draft via New Mexico Lobos Blog The Red Menace:
