After a whirlwind introduction to the NFL, Bucs wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is entering his second season with something he didn’t fully have a year ago – his legs, his strength, and a sense of balance.

For Egbuka, the transition from college football’s biggest stage to the pro level was anything but slow. Coming off a national championship run with the Ohio State Buckeyes in late January, his offseason quickly turned into a marathon of preparation for the NFL Draft. He went from the NFL Scouting Combine to his pro day and official 30 visits, which left little time for physical recovery.

Maybe that explained why Emeka Egbuka had such a hot a start to his rookie season, followed by slower second half of the year. In the first nine games of the season, Egbuka quickly became a star in Tampa Bay by recording 677 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The corresponding eight games saw less production with just 261 receiving yards and no touchdowns during that course.

Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

There were many factors as to why the Bucs had a tough losing streak at the end of the season, causing them to miss the playoffs, and Egbuka’s slow decline may have played a role in it.

Emeka Egbuka Feels Entirely Better Going Into This Season

Now, with that experience behind Emeka Egbuka and a full offseason to focus just on being a Buccaneer rather than preparing for the draft, the young receiver is beginning to feel like himself again.

“It’s been amazing,” Egbuka said. “I feel like I got my legs back a little bit last year coming off of a national championship and doing the whole rookie thing – Combine, everything like that. It’s definitely a long offseason, you never really feel like you got a break. So I think after the season last year I was able to take some time off my legs, kind of work my way back into training in a good amount of time and I was able to lean up, put on some muscle. I feel very conditioned, very in shape, feel very strong, healthy. I think it was all positive.”

Bucs WRs Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

That reset may be exactly what Egbuka needed, as he does look leaner and more muscular than he did a year ago. The flashes of his talent were evident throughout the year. He had crisp route running and the ability to create separation along with solid catch passing skills. But like many rookies, consistency was a challenge as Egbuka navigated the physical toll of a longer season and the mental demands of a more complex playbook.

Now healthier and stronger, Egbuka is showing signs of turning those flashes into production.

There’s seems to already be a difference. Egbuka has more burst off the line, sharper cuts at the top of routes, and an overall confidence that comes from feeling fully prepared physically. The added muscle hasn’t slowed him down — if anything, it’s enhanced his ability to fight through contact and finish plays.

Bucs Need A Big Year Two From Emeka Egbuka

Just as important is the conditioning, which he’s focused on this offseason. Emeka Egbuka emphasized how much better he feels stamina-wise, which could translate into a bigger role as the offense looks for reliable targets who can stay effective deep into games.

Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka and Cardinals DE Josh Sweat – Photo by: USA Today

Year two is often when the game slows down for receivers, and for Egbuka, that mental comfort paired with a rejuvenated body could be a dangerous combination. He’s already caught the attention of everybody with an exceptional one-handed catch early in OTAs.

Instead of trying to simply survive the grind of an NFL season, he’s now positioned to attack it. If his words and his offseason work are any indication, Emeka Egbuka isn’t just back to full strength. He’s ready to take the next step.