Bucs WR Ted Hurst.
Joe is a big history guy. And while history, solely, should never be the reason a decision is made, Joe is a firm believer in the old saying, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.”
So in recent Bucs history, the Bucs have not been shy about leaning on rookie receivers.
Two years ago Jalen McMillan had eight touchdowns and started 12 games. Last year Emeka Egbuka started 13 games and had six touchdowns along with 938 yards receiving. Tez Johnson, also a rookie last year, had five touchdown catches in eight starts.
Now, here comes this year’s rookie receiver, Ted Hurst. And yes, Hurst is aware the Bucs have a (recent) history of allowing rookies to get on the field and make plays.
And unlike when McMillan, Egbuka and Johnson were rookies, Mike Evans isn’t here to be a logjam for a rookie receiver to get on the field.
“That’s definitely motivation for me,” Hurst said. “You know, seeing a younger guy come in and step into that role and be a professional. Also [having] an impact on the game earlier [than most teams], that’s motivation for me.”
When asked what position he’s looking to play if he gets on the field, Hurst tried to dodge the question, saying he is just working to learn the offense and get his feet wet with the Bucs.
Pressed on the subject, Hurst said his initial focus is working as an X-receiver.
And that’s exactly the hole in the roster created by the departure of Evans.
Hurst also had a cool story yesterday. He said he wanted to move to Tampa the day after he was drafted so he could start getting acclimated to the area and start learning the Bucs’ offense.
His mom had other ideas. His mom wanted to see Hurst walk at Georgia State’s graduation. So Hurst didn’t get to Tampa as soon as he wanted.
Gotta make sure mom’s happy.