Buccaneers rookie struggling to pick up the playbook

Buccaneers rookie running back Jeremy McNichols needs to pick up the pace in camp

Buccaneers fifth-round pick Jeremy McNichols is facing public criticism from Tampa Bay’s coaching staff for not knowing the playbook.

Tampa Bay, the focus of HBO’s annual mini-documentary “Hard Knocks,” is expecting big things from the former Boise State star back. With questions surrounding starter Doug Martin, the Bucs would love to see McNichols take control of the starting job.

Head coach Dirk Koetter has other thoughts, as does running backs coach Tim Spencer, both of whom commented on McNichols not having a strong sense of the playbook.

Koetter on rookie Jeremy McNichols picking up Bucs offense: "I would agree with (RBs coach Tim Spencer). He needs to get in his playbook."
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 9, 2017

An old school coach such as Koetter won’t take a player not knowing the plays being called. He’s previously kicked tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins out of practice for the same reason, but it appears more leniency is being given towards the rookie.