Bucs' draftee Kaelin Clay hopes to be specialGreg Auman, Times Staff WriterFriday, May 8, 2015 6:29pm
Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston, 3, stretches with the team Friday, May 8, 2015 at One Buc Place in Tampa. Photo by JAMES BORCHUCK TAMPA — The Bucs hope sixth-round draft pick Kaelin Clay can be the answer to their return game on punts and kickoffs, and the receiver is embracing those high expectations."I like challenges. I know the role that I'm coming in playing," Clay said after the first practice of rookie minicamp Friday afternoon. "I know how many returners they went through last year. I know that's a spot they want to get better at. I want to help the team as much as I can. … It's not going to be given to me."Clay, a receiver from Utah, led all of Division I-A football last season with four returns — three on punts, another on kickoffs, this after totaling six touchdowns on returns in two years of junior college. He'd like to contribute as a receiver as well, but knows his best chance as a rookie is likely in the return game."I'm trying to get on the field as a receiver and be a complete player," Clay said. "Hopefully, I'll find my way on the field on the offensive side of the ball, but right now, I'm a special-teams player that's getting reps at receiver."BRING THE HEAT: Second-round OLs Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet went to college in Pennsylvania and New York, respectively, so this weekend only gives them a small taste of the Florida heat they'll play in this fall."Today wasn't too bad, honestly, but from what I hear it's going to get real bad," said Marpet, who could start at right guard. "I'll have all summer to adjust to it, and I know there are people who have made the adjustment."Smith, who played at as much as 352 pounds last fall, is close to 325 pounds now and said he'll work with the team on how best to handle the heat."I'm definitely going to get with the trainers and nutritionist and make sure they tell me what to do," he said. "There's a big difference, but that is all part of it. I'm ready for it and up for the challenge. It's not even a challenge, honestly. It's getting used to it, day in and day out."
