The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that they have signed 2012 second-round pick LB Lavonte David to a four-year contract, and with the signing just two draft picks – Mark Barron and Doug Martin – are the only two not under contract.

David was selected 58th overall out of Nebraska University, starting all 27 games he played. In just two seasons with the Huskers, he finished fourth in school history with 285 tackles, to go with 28 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered. David had a banner senior season in 2011, earning first-team All-American honors (AFCA, CBS and ESPN) and consensus first-team All-Big Ten accolades. He was also a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker), semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik (nation's top defensive player) and Lott Trophy (nation's top defensive IMPACT player) awards and was named the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, as he led the team and ranked third in the conference in tackles (133). David also led Nebraska in tackles for loss (13), sacks (5.5), interceptions (2), forced fumbles (3) and fumble recoveries (2).

In his junior season, David posted a school-record 152 tackles to go with 15 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks and ten passes defensed. For his performance on the field, he was named first-team All-American (Rivals.com and CBS), unanimous first-team Big 12, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (Kansas City Star) and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, which was selected by the coaches. Prior to his time at Nebraska, David led Fort Scott CC to the JUCO national championship game, while ranking among the conference's leaders in tackles and tackles for loss.

Head coach Greg Schiano talked about David shortly after the draft.

“I think he can play all three linebacker positions. I think we’ll put him at one of the outside linebackers, Sam or Will. I think the way he runs and hits, we’ll utilize his speed. As Mark (Dominik) mentioned, he’s a really good cover linebacker and can do some things out in space as well – he’s that athletic.”