Confidence high as Bucs veterans report to training camp

Confidence high as Bucs veterans report to training camp video link  Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy reports to training camp at One Buc Place. JAY CONNER/STAFF    Rookie QB Jameis Winston joined his veteran teammates as the Bucs report to training camp at One Buc Place. JAY CONNER/STAFF  Bucs running back Doug Martin walks in with center Jeremiah Warren as they and other Bucs players and staff reported to training camp. JAY CONNER/STAFF    Bucs cornerback Alterraun Verner reports to training camp at One Buc Place. JAY CONNER/STAFF    By Roy Cummings | Tribune Staff Published: July 31, 2015  TAMPA — The best of the worst.That’s how second-year wide receiver Mike Evans described the 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers upon reporting to One Buc Place for the start of 2015 training camp on Friday.“Last year I think we were the best 2-14 team ever,’’ said Evans, who caught 68 passes and led the Bucs with 1,051 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014. “We were unfortunate a lot last year.’’How can the Bucs change their fortune? Well, it starts, Evans said, by taking ownership of the fact that, unfortunate or not, the Bucs posted the worst record in the league.“We’re not going to hang our heads,’’ he said. “Last season happened. We’re not looking back, We’re ready to go. Everybody’s playing fast, everybody’s playing hard.’’Evans is among those who expects to play faster this year. Though he wasn’t sure exactly what he’d weigh in at, he said he’s down below 230 pounds and expects to run faster as a result.As a whole, though, the Bucs will all be looking to start faster in 2015. They were outscored 102-43 in the first quarter and 205-123 in the first half last year and that, Evans said, led to a lot of losses.“We just have to have more of a sense of urgency before the games so we can be in a better position at the end,’’ Evans said.Logan Mankins seems to have a sense of urgency. The veteran left guard was among the first to arrive at One Buc Place, entering the building almost immediately after the team opened its doors to the players at 6:30 a.m. Tight end Tim Wright and rookie quarterback Jameis Winston were close behind, followed later by wide receiver Vincent Jackson, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Lavonte David.The first full-squad practice is slated for Saturday afternoon, giving players two weeks before the first preseason game Aug. 15 at Minnesota. Starting with Saturday, 11 workouts will be open to the public. Rookies, including first-round draft pick Jameis Winston, got a head start, officially getting to work Monday.During public practices, the team is planning an interactive play area for children. The expanded Kid Zone area will feature football skills stations, face-painting stations, a dunk tank and other football-related activities.As in years past, the team will invite children 12 and younger to gather on the field following the workouts to participate in free autograph sessions with players. There also will be merchandise tents, cheerleader appearances and discounted concessions.The team facility is on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, east of Himes Avenue and the stadium.The Bucs, coming off a 2-14 season in 2014, open the regular season at home against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 13. Here are the practiced scheduled to be open to the public (dates, times subject to change):Saturday: 2:30-5 p.m.Sunday: 4:30-7 p.m.Monday: 2:30-5 p.m.Tuesday: 9-11:30 a.m.Thurs., Aug. 6: 2:30-5 p.m.Sat., Aug. 8: 2:30-5 p.m.Tues., Aug. 11: 2:30-5 p.m.Wed., Aug. 12: 2:30-5 p.m.Mon., Aug. 17: 2-4:30 p.m.Tues., Aug. 18: 2:30-5 p.m.Wed., Aug. 19: 2:30-5 p.m.