Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum has one thing to show this season. After receiving a three-year extension in 2025, his manufacturing fell in need of expectations final season.
McCollum performed in 13 video games and solely noticed one interception regardless of having the chance to document extra. And simply as sadly, McCollum was known as out by head coach Todd Bowles for wanting “bored” at occasions final season. So not solely had been there struggles, however he was additionally publicly exploited for it.
Throughout OTAs McCollum acknowledged the down yr that he had, discussing the significance of self-discipline going into a brand new season the place he can flip the web page and wipe the slate clear.
Bucs’ Zyon McCollum Focusing On Eye Self-discipline
“There’s gonna be boring times out there at corner,” he stated. “Everyone’s gonna get some action, so when your number isn’t getting called, you gotta hold it down for the rest of the defense. Just do your job and fight that boredom.”
Bucs CB Zyon McCollum – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
With extra depth within the secondary room that together with the likes of McCollum, Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison at nook together with Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, rookie Keionte Scott and a returning J.J. Roberts at security, coach Todd Bowles has a number of expertise to work with.
There was an emphasis on strengthening the Bucs protection this offseason, so being on the sector gained’t essentially imply attending to be the hero. McCollum has been working to struggle boredom and he’s doing that by placing an emphasis on coaching his thoughts each rep.
He has been closely targeted on coaching his eye self-discipline and dealing along with his newly promoted cornerbacks coach Rashad Johnson to get higher. Johnson is getting into his fifth season in Tampa Bay, however his first season as cornerbacks coach. McCollum and Johnson truly got here to Tampa collectively, and so they’ve been hitting the movie room collectively to get assist get the perfect of the beginning nook.
Bucs CBs coach Rashad Johnson and CB Zyon McCollum – Photograph courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
“Pulling up some old film and seeing the only reason you did this is because of those eyes and the reason you won this rep is because of your eyes.” McCollum stated. “So we’re working a lot and it’s starting to get to the point to where it’s muscle memory.”
Going into yr two of his extension, McCollum is seeking to translate this offseason grind into a significant bounce again. He wants it for himself, however the Bucs actually need it, too.
McCollum Has Grow to be The Oldest Buc In The CB Room
The 2026 season turns into much more distinctive as McCollum is now the longest-tenured participant within the cornerback room. The elder statesman has discovered himself in a management position, significantly with quickly to be second yr corners Parrish and Morrison, and has used his personal experiences, good and unhealthy, to information the youthful gamers.
Bucs CB Zyon McCollum – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“I’m always just going to be myself and bring guys along,” McCollum stated. “I’ve seen pretty much every situation. I’ve been in big games, lost some bad games, you know, so I have some experience that I’m just offering them.”
McCollum was lately on an episode of the Pewter Report Podcast the place he talked extra in regards to the secondary struggles and the way the general perspective of the crew has adjusted going into this season.
Try the episode and subscribe to Pewter Report’s YouTube channel, PewterReportTV for extra Bucs associated content material.
– Story written by Pewter Report’s Kat Beutel
