Stephen Holder Projects Former Vol Luke Stocker As Buccaneers Starting Tight End
By Zach Ragan
December 9, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Luke Stocker (88) reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers are one of the most well represented college football teams in the NFL.
They may be getting a little more exposure in the state of Florida this upcoming season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat writer Stephen Holder is projecting Luke Stocker as the Buccaneers starting tight end in 2013.
While Holder is projecting Stocker as the starting tight end for the Bucs, he’s also projecting some competition for the former Vol.
"Stocker, despite my guesswork, has significant competition. Most notable among his rivals is Tom Crabtree, signed from the Packers early in the offseason. But that’s hardly the end of the list.Don’t be surprised when you start hearing more about guys like Nate Byham, Danny Noble and Zach Miller. None, including Stocker, is a very accomplished NFL player. But each has varying degrees of experience and intriguing skills."
Stocker is entering his third NFL season (all with Tampa Bay), and he’s seen limited success over his first couple of seasons.
Of course Stocker was playing behind Kellen Winslow II and Dallas Clark the past two seasons. This will be his first year where he enters the season as the expected starter.
Over Stocker’s first two seasons he’s caught 28 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown.
Stocker did finish the 2012 season with ten catches over his last three games, nearly a third of his career production. He should carry that momentum over into the 2013 season.
I wouldn’t expect a pro-bowl type season out of Stocker, but he has proved he’s capable of being a contributor on offense, during his last two seasons at Tennessee.
Stocker recorded 68 catches for 806 yards and seven touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons. Those are pretty good numbers when you consider that’s coming against tough SEC competition.
Hopefully, for Stocker’s sake, Stephen Holder’s projection will hold true.
Even if it does hold true, Stocker will have to prove he’s worthy of being a starting tight end, in order to hold down the job for the 2013 season.
For more on former Vols in the NFL, make sure to follow me on Twitter @vols_zach