Tyrek Funderburk quickly generated buzz throughout the spring with timely plays between the hash marks. He defied the odds as an undrafted rookie by not only making the Bucs' final 53-man roster but doing so after missing a chunk of training camp with a foot injury. For most undrafted rookies in Funderburk's predicament, the injury would have sealed an unfortunate fate. However, in a small sample size, Funderburk proved what he is capable of. He earned the trust of the coaching staff and captivated the team's decision-makers with his investment in learning every nuance of the game to enhance his craft.
"He has endeared himself to everyone here because he is that smart," said Bucs' Mid-Atlantic Scout Brian McLaughlin. "He is dedicated to being the best player he can be and from the jump, he wanted to know everything about the defense. He is smart enough to learn it, so I think that is why he won people over so quickly. He is that cerebral player who craves knowledge and also has the capacity to learn and apply it. He is mentally strong for a rookie who just got here."
That inquisitive nature set him apart. Funderburk was originally a no-star recruit and signed with Richmond. He gradually worked his way up the depth chart and after a stellar 2022 campaign in which he led the team in interceptions and passes defensed, he entered the transfer portal. Funderburk chose Appalachian State because of his connection with the coaches and it paid dividends. In 2023, he was named First-Team All-SBC and led the squad in interceptions with four. There, he showcased his willingness to tackle in the open field, instincts in zone and smooth transitions in-and-out of breaks in man.
"When I got around to watching his tape, I thought his best trait was the mental piece," stated McLaughlin. "Most college corners are better when they are in tight man-to-man and most of them are less comfortable in off coverage and zone, because they have to see more and process more. So, when you find a player who is actually very good at those things, it stands out and it is pretty unique for a college corner. Tyrek was really good with his eyes and his instincts. In college there is a lot of short passes where they try to get the ball in space, and he was a very willing tackler. I remember he made a lot of plays defending bubble screens and short throws. He was a slender guy and was 173 when he got to App State, but he did a good job of getting over 180."
At Appalachian State, Funderburk displayed his ability to thrive in various coverages and alignments. He is versatile, a trait that Todd Bowles' covets in his defenders. Funderburk is currently a backup corner in the outside rotation but has the instincts and anticipation to ascend. With his route recognition, vertical speed and urgency on the field, Funderburk continues to spark excitement. He has the athletic profile but also what is intangible: feel.
"He's very smart," said General Manager Jason Licht. "He has decent size. He's got speed. He's a physical player. He likes to tackle, and he just has natural instincts and patience when he's out there in coverage on an island. It's something that you either have or you don't, and he's got it. We saw a lot – [he's] got great ball skills, as well, so we see a lot of upside with him. I don't know if we're going to throw him out – if Todd [Bowles]'s going to throw him out there – Week 1 or not, but we feel like he's pretty close to us doing that. He's been one of the more exciting players at that position [among] young players that we've had since I've been here."
