Tyrek Funderburk Dishes on Growth
Undrafted rookie Tyrek Funderburk out of Appalachian State is a name to learn. Throughout training camp, he has turned heads with numerous splash plays. Those are a byproduct of his route recognition and understanding of offensive tendencies. Film study, where he breaks down personnel groupings and down-and-distance scenarios, have sparked development in the NFL. Coaches, along with the cornerbacks in Funderburk's room, have offered instruction to foster craft enhancement.
"It is a lifelong dream of mine to play at this level and to be in the NFL and it came fast," said Funderburk. "I remember getting the call back in April and we are already here at the first preseason game. I am excited. I think being in the room with [Jamel] Dean, [Zyon] McCollum and a vet like Bryce Hall, it is helpful to have those guys around. Then obviously, Coach [Todd] Bowles, Coach Rock [Kevin Ross] and Coach Rashad [Rashad Johnson], they are always willing to help. Whatever question I have, they are willing to put their two cents in. They give me a lot of football knowledge and there has been a lot that I have learned in three months that I did not know at the collegiate level, and it has helped transform my game."
Funderburk has put himself in position to make plays on the ball, including a pass breakup on a jumped route during Thursday's practice. He has flashed in pads and also seamlessly picked up Bowles' complex system. With a ball-hawk mentality and ease in both man and zone, Funderburk continues to excel on the grass for Tampa Bay. Instead of trying to force plays to impress when his number is called, Funderburk has relied on past mentorship as his compass.
"I have always been coached to make the ones [plays] that come to you and catch the ones they throw you," said Funderburk. "That is kind of what happened yesterday, but you take it and run with it. I try to get better because there is always something to improve on regardless of how good of a day you may think you had."
Tykee Smith Impresses with Football IQ
Calling a player "cerebral" may be one of the oldest adages in football but for rookie Tykee Smith, it epitomizes his approach. The film junkie has made a smooth transition to the NFL, a testament to his work behind the scenes. The Bucs selected Smith in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and the staff subsequently vocalized their intention to have him work at slot corner, while also cross-training Smith at safety. He played two seasons at West Virginia before transferring to Georgia in 2021. Smith quickly became a catalyst on one of the nation's best defenses, and in 2023 he accumulated 70 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and six passes defensed - leading the team in each of those last three categories. He manned the nickel position in Kirby Smart's base scheme and wreaked havoc in a slot/in-the-box role. Smith played in the post at free safety for West Virginia and has brought those skills to Tampa Bay's secondary. With outstanding read-react skills, the ability to set the edge and downhill trigger, Smith has helped fortify the back end. His time spent watching film has led to composed and self-aware play on the field at practice.
"Tykee is a rookie, but it seems like he has played in the NFL before," said teammate Tavierre Thomas. "He knows the defense, and he played in the defense at Georgia. I know there is a difference, and everybody says the NFL is different from college but when you go to a big school like that, and you are going up against all the top guys - my thing with him is just - he is going up against the same people he has been going up against."
Reminder: Preseason Livestream
- Livestream: Preseason live games accessible locally on Buccaneers.com and the Buccaneers app
Tampa Bay's first preseason contest against Cincinnati will be aired locally on WTTA-TV – an affiliate of WFLA – while the team's final two preseason matchups will be shown on WFLA News Channel 8, the Buccaneers official home for preseason football. Chris Myers will be the play-by-play announcer, and he will be joined in the booth by Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Rondé Barber. WFLA Sports Anchor Dan Lucas will serve as the sideline reporter. The games will also be broadcasted on 98Rock on the Buccaneers Radio Network. Out of market fans will be able to watch non-national matchups on NFL+. To get NFL+, click here.
