New Year Brings New Buccaneers

In early January, the Buccaneers signed their 8-man practice squad to the offseason roster.  Among the group are three familiar names, two outside linebacker prospects, an experienced quarterback, and some bulk for the offensive line.  These men are under NFL Futures Contracts, meaning they do not actually take effect (or count against the roster) until the new league year begins in March.  They are (in alphabetical order):


Mike Balogun:  2nd year Linebacker from Oklahoma (6'0", 240 lbs).  Balogun appeared in two games for the Buffalo Bills in 2010.  Balogun spent time with the Cowboys in 2011 before arriving in Tampa.

Rennie Curran:  2nd year Linebacker from Georgia (5'11", 230 lbs).  Curran was drafted 97th overall (3rd round) by the Tennessee Titans in 2010 and was projected as one of the top outside linebackers in his class. He entered the draft after a junior year in which he led the SEC in tackles with 116.  He played in 9 games for the Titans in 2010, totaling 4 tackels and 3 assists.  He was released after the Titans training camp in 2011.


Colin Franklin: Rookie Tight End from Iowa State (6'6", 256 lbs).  Started 2011 season on the Buccaneers practice squad.  Was promoted to the active roster for two games before returning to the practice squad.  Franklin did not post any statistics while on the roster.

Ed Gant:  1st year Wide Receiver from North Alabama (6'3", 200 lbs; Fort Myers, FL). Gant started the 2011 preseason with Tampa Bay. In the fourth preseason game against the Redskins, Gant had 2 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown (Buccaneer fans may remember the 96 yard catch and run for the touchdown).   Suspended first four weeks of 2010 season for violation of NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances (substance not named) while in the Cardinals training camp.

Mike Ingersoll:  Undrafted rookie Tackle from North Carolina (6'5", 300 lbs)


Brett Ratliff:  3rd year Quarterback out of Utah (6'4", 224 lbs).  Originally an undrafted free agent signed by the Jets, has spent time in Jacksonville, New England, and Tennessee; most recently with the Cleveland Browns.  Notably, he was one component of the Jets/Cleveland trade which landed Mark Sanchez with the Jets.

Chris Riley:  Undrafted rookie Guard from Illinois State (6'5", 305 lbs).  Most recently a Cincinnati Bengal.  Projected as an offensive tackle at the combine.

Jacob Rogers:  Undrafted rookie kicker from Cincinnati (6'4", 217 lbs). Was in camp for Buccaneers 2011 preseason (six punts versus Washington in preseason game #4) but did not make 53-man roster.  Rated #5 in his class by NFL Draft Scout.  Most recently was waived by the New Orleans Saints.