Fun With Roster Numbers and Names

Numbers have been assigned for the incoming draft picks. The numbers won’t necessarily stick, but for right now, this is what they have to go on. Here are the numbers they will be wearing, along with their college numbers:

Aqib Talib: #25 (#3 in college)

Dexter Jackson: #1 (#2 in college)

Jeremy Zuttah: #76 (#71 in college)

Dre Moore: #67 (#92 in college)

Josh Johnson: #11 (#11 in college)

Geno Hayes: #45 (#10 in college)

Cory Boyd: #39 (#3 in college)

Many of the numbers are conflicting, either because they are already occupied, or that position player can’t wear that number. As a cornerback, Talib can’t wear #3. As a running back, Boyd can’t wear #3. There would be a problem with the two of them competing for that number. Also, that number is currently worn by Matt Bryant. Dexter Jackson can’t wear #2, which is worn by Chris Simms. However, that number might be freed up before long. The numbers 71 (Zuttah) and 92 (Moore) are both taken, worn by Jovan Haye and Charles Bennett, respectively. Geno Hayes can’t wear #10 as a linebacker, not to mention the fact that #10 is being worn by Taye Biddle. Josh Johnson was lucky enough to get his number.

As most Bucs fans know, Dexter Jackson is the name of a former player, one Super Bowl MVP. This is not the first time that has happened. On the Bucs all-time roster, there are four namesakes that have appeared twice.

• Steve Young was a quarterback for the Bucs, and an eventual Hall of Fame member. The other Steve Young was a tackle on the inaugural Bucs team. He started eleven games.
• Anthony Davis was a Heisman winning running back at USC, where he played under John McKay. He played in eleven games in his Tampa career. The other Anthony Davis is a tackle who is still on the team. He played in only 9 games last year, after playing all 16 the previous two years.
• Brian Clark was a kicker in the 1982 season. He played in one game with the Buccaneers, but didn’t attempt an extra point or a field goal. The other Brian Clark was promoted from the practice squad, only to play in one game in 2007. He recorded three special teams tackles in the postseason.
• The first Dexter Jackson was a safety for the Bucs from 1999-2002, and then 2004-2005. He had 8 interceptions and 274 tackles in his time with Tampa. He will always be celebrated as the MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII.

Only time will tell what this Dexter Jackson can do. Also, Aqib Talib is probably safe as the only Aqib Talib to be on the Bucs all-time roster.