Whereas it’d appear to be cornerback Zyon McCollum continues to be the brand new child on the block, he’s now coming into his fifth season with the Bucs.
At 27 years outdated, McCollum is now the longest-tenured cornerback within the room, making him a veteran in comparison with the youthful gamers subsequent to him, corresponding to 2025 draft picks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish.
Including to which can be the brand new additions on the roster through free company and the 2026 NFL Draft. That injection of expertise is one thing McCollum has loved seeing come collectively. Between remaining gamers hungry to beat final 12 months and newcomers bringing a much-needed starvation to vary the tradition, there was a noticeable change in angle and the extent of labor being put in.
Bucs NCB Jacob Parrish and CB Zyon McCollum – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Having a lot of new pieces in now, it’s almost like there is a new energy around the building,” McCollum mentioned on Monday’s Pewter Report Podcast. “Being a part of the offseason program and everything – I’ve never worked this hard since being here. That type of work is bringing guys together, it’s creating a new attitude, it’s creating a new passion. It’s an exciting thing moving forward.”
New Place Coaches, New Power & Conditioning Coach Deliver Vitality, Depth To Bucs
Head coach Todd Bowles is in control of the group, serving because the stoic voice and presence on the sidelines. Versus latest years, that’s wanted given the distinction of nonstop power from the assistant coaches on employees, particularly the brand new voices introduced in from the skin.
That was a key takeaway attending rookie mini-camp final week, as defensive position coach Marcus West and particular groups coordinator Danny Smith have been seen working round and never being afraid of teaching up gamers via yelling and vocalizing directions.
Bucs ST coordinator Danny Smith – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Within the secondary, cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross and safeties coach Nick Rapone have been every changed by coaches who’re over 20 years youthful, solely including to the heightened power.
Chad Wade changed Anthony Piroli this offseason because the group’s power and conditioning coach. Wade, who has been a longtime assistant within the weight room, joined the Bucs in 2014 and was introduced in by normal supervisor Jason Licht. Wade and Licht performed soccer collectively at Nebraska Wesleyan within the Nineties.
Wade has ramped issues up within the weight room and on the follow subject when it comes to lifting and conditioning. So, it comes as no shock that McCollum views the offseason program as extra intense than lately, paying homage to his time at Sam Houston State. He’s not the one one who views it that manner, both.
Bucs power and conditioning coach Chad Wade – Picture courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
“It’s been grueling,” McCollum mentioned of the practices thus far. “Everyone appreciates it, all people has been sort of saying it reminds them of a faculty program. It’s like, ‘Man, we were doing crazy stuff like this back in college and yada yada yada…’ Actually grinding and actually working tremendous exhausting within the warmth, placing the reps in. Previously, it hasn’t essentially been like that.
“We’ve always worked extremely hard, but I think this year is just taking it to a completely new level. Not letting off the gas, and I really love the philosophy, and I love the culture change.”
McCollum’s feedback provide some encouragement looking forward to the season, however the discuss is just nearly as good as it may be backed up with performing when it counts. Zyon McCollum feels that like few gamers on the Bucs, and the way he performs might be key to the protection’s success.
Watch Bucs CB Zyon McCollum On The Pewter Report Podcast
Zyon McCollum shared loads with Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds and Matt Matera on Monday’s Pewter Report Podcast. To listen to extra about what McCollum mentioned throughout his close to hour-long look, click on the hyperlink under to look at.
