“The Smoke Is Real”
June 22nd, 2026
Rookie Bucs receiver Ted Hurst.
A guy with access to practice film who hears all the dirt at One Buc Palace (at least most of it) weighed in on the behind-the-scenes chatter after the Bucs wrapped up spring practices.
Who was shining?
Buccaneers legend Rondé Barber had answers during the WFLA-TV streaming show that bears his name.
After gushing about how first-round draft pick Rueben Bain will be a tremendous change agent, Barber turned to third-round pick Ted Hurst, the pride of Georgia State.
“The smoke is real. There is fire underneath that smoke,” Barber said of the rookie receiver. “He’s been impressive. I hear he’s learning a couple of positions. He’s not just focused on the X position. … He’s got the football IQ to do both.”
So, Rondé, who is most likely to jump out once training camp starts?
“Kenneth Gainwell, watch out, dude. Watch out,” Barber said of the veteran free agent running back.
Joe would have named Gainwell, too. He looked sharp with fresh legs and he is smooth running routes.
Barber also praised veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone for standing out with his approach and how he plays, and rookie tight end Bauer Sharp, who Joe also has heard turned a lot of heads for a sixth-round pick. Remember, the Bucs traded up significantly to snag him; he’a virtual lock for the roster.