Bucs promote CB Mazzi Wilkins to active roster

With Vernon Hargreaves III officially out the door and a multitude of injuries at the position, the Bucs promoted rookie CB Mazzi Wilkins from the practice squad.

Wilkins is a former Plant High School product and a University of South Florida alumni. Both are located in Tampa Bay, so the locals - and those who follow USF nationwide - are pretty familiar with the kid.

After making a strong impression during rookie minicamps in May, the Bucs decided to bring in Wilkins for training camp. He was working as a landscaper when they gave him the call.

The 6-foot, 180-pound corner had a strong camp and a strong preseason, where he racked up eight total tackles and a forced fumble in four games.

Now, he’ll get a chance to make some plays on Sunday, and that could begin as soon as this weekend when the Bucs take on the Saints.

Wilkins played in 47 games over four seasons (2015-2018) for the Bulls, recording 110 career tackles along with three interceptions, 22 passes defensed, 2.0 tackles for loss, a half-sack and a fumble recovery. He went undrafted after finishing his career in 2018.

The Buccaneers have also announced they have signed cornerback John Franklin III to their practice squad.