Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5 Things to Know About J.R. Sweezy

A few interesting facts about Sweezy, who signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent.

Mar 10, 2016 at 04:50 AM

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He is a former standout in another sport.**
Sweezy, who grew up in Mooresville, North Carolina, excelled on the football field, obviously, but was also successful in another sport. In 2007, Sweezy won the North Carolina 3A state wrestling championship at heavyweight, helping his team finish 15th out of 71 schools at the tournament.

READ: BUCCANEERS RE-SIGN DOUG MARTIN

2. Sweezy has played different positions at each level.
When he was in high school, Sweezy served as a linebacker, tallying 195 tackles in 12 games during his senior year. As he transitioned into college at North Carolina State, Sweezy shifted to defensive end, then defensive tackle before ultimately moving to guard after being drafted by Seattle.

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QB Robert Griffin

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Rueben Randle

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MLB James Laurinaitis

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CB Jerraud Powers

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ILB Zach Brown

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CB Nolan Carroll

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C Steffen Wisniewski

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CB Patrick Robinson

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CB Leon Hall

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RB Legarrette Blount

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OLB Courtney Upshaw

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LB Dwight Freeney

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WR Percy Harvin

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LB Mike Neal

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G Jahri Evans

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G Evan Mathis

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RB. Alfred Morris

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FS Rashad Johnson

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DT Terrance Knighton

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WR Anquan Boldin

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DE Greg Hardy

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45.OLB Aldon Smith

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S Walter Thurmond

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OT Andre Smith

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RB Arian Foster

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DT Nick Fairley

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QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

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S Reggie Nelson

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OT Russell Okung

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3. He's consistent.
Sweezy has missed just two games over the course of the past three years and was "the most consistent lineman" on the Seahawks' roster last year, according to Buccaneers.com contributor and former NFL tight end Anthony Becht.

4. He went years without playing an offensive snap.
According to an article in The New Yorker, before switching to guard with the Seahawks, Sweezy hadn't played an offensive down since his days playing Pop Warner in North Carolina. He has played exclusive on the offensive side of the ball since being drafted.

READ: MARTIN'S HEART WAS ALWAYS IN TAMPA BAY

5. He was highly coveted.
According to several reports, nearly half the teams in the league expressed interest in Sweezy. The Dolphins, Falcons, Saints, Jets, Bears and Lions were among those suggested to be looking at the guard.

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