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Wilkerson Tries To Stress Positive
(Tampa Tribune (FL) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Aug. 27--TAMPA -- Bucs defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson endures more stress this week than at any other time of the year.
"I just try to isolate myself and focus on other things," Wilkerson said. "Try to keep myself away from thinking maybe I'm going to get a call, or maybe they are going to catch me coming into work."
This week is when many NFL players hit the unemployment line as teams begin releasing players. Wilkerson survived the first round of cuts Tuesday, but he remains worried about Saturday's final cutdown.
Until Tampa Bay finalizes its roster to 53 players from the 80 invited to training camp, Wilkerson's thoughts will revolve around his football future.
"During practice, I don't think about it because there is so much stuff to think about, but once practice is over with, then the nerves set in," Wilkerson said. "You see all these guys walking around, and you don't know who they are going to grab. Is he going to grab this guy, is he going to grab this guy, or is he going to grab me?"
Wilkerson's apprehension stems from a football career without any highlights.
Since Kansas City made Wilkerson a sixth-round draft choice in 2003, he has started only five of 72 games.
In fact, Wilkerson has one career sack on his resume, with half a sack occurring in 2004 and a half last year.
"It was frustrating not getting a lot of snaps, but as long I'm out there on the field, I'm having fun," Wilkerson said. "At the same time, when I'm on the bench, it's tough to get excited. It's tough to be into the game, because you really want so badly to be out there with the guys that you get mad, get mad at yourself, and then start questioning your talents."
Wilkerson questioned his ability to be an impact player at Kansas City and became part of the Chiefs refugees in Tampa.
Bucs defensive lineman Ryan Sims and running back Michael Bennett were traded from Kansas City to Tampa Bay in 2007, while Wilkerson signed as a free agent earlier this year.
Although Kansas City gave up on them, Sims has become a key backup tackle for the Bucs, Bennett figures to receive significant playing time this season and Wilkerson has a chance to finally have an impact.
"Over there in Kansas City, I don't know if it's the coaching concept or upstairs, but a lot of people weren't happy," Sims said. "You can see that guys that moved on actually do better. I don't know what it is, but here, there is a whole change in philosophy. This team is known for defense. That's what we do.
"The kind of defensive linemen Coach Dick Vermeil tried to get in Kansas City, those are the type of guys they want here. I think it's a good fit for Jimmy."
How Tampa Bay found Wilkerson, who played very little in Kansas City, is more impressive than his ability to play defensive tackle and defensive end on either side.
"It's a credit to General Manager Bruce Allen, director of pro personnel Mark Dominik, personnel executive Doug Williams and the guys upstairs for finding guys they think will fit here and excel in this program," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "They are the ones who saw the preseason tape and the exposure they had.
"I like Wilkerson. Matter of fact, I like him a whole lot. We're going to have a hard time keeping him off the field. He has talent and great energy. Man, he has tremendous stamina. This is real important to him. He's got a passion for this. A lot of guys on a Wednesday or Thursday, second week of camp, they might have hit a wall. This guy doesn't hit a wall."
Wilkerson, who has two preseason sacks (one at defensive end and the other at tackle) will likely hit Tampa Bay's bench this season as a backup player.
Gaines Adams and Kevin Carter at end and Chris Hovan and Jovan Haye at tackle are expected to start. Wilkerson will be used as a backup defensive tackle this season and participate on special teams.
Although that scenario is a safe bet, Wilkerson will not believe it until final cuts occur.
Only then will his stress be alleviated.
"Every year, whether it's my first year or my fifth year, I'm nervous," Wilkerson said. "Right now, I'm nervous about cuts. I don't stop being nervous until I see my name on the final roster.
"That's just the way I am. That's the way I've been since my rookie year. Until cut days are over, I'm going to be nervous."
Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.
To see more of the Tampa Tribune or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tampatrib.com.
Copyright (c) 2008, Tampa Tribune, Fla.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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