Hot Reads: Smith wants players light on their feet Published: July 25, 2014 
Mason Foster and proud parentsNew Bucs head coach Lovie Smith issued a slim-down directive to several players in the offseason and he’s pleased with the results.Rookie TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, and LBs Mason Foster and Dane Fletcher reshaped their bodies in an effort to increase their quickness.“It’s about getting your body fat down and turning that fat into muscle,’’ said LB Lavonte David, whose 233-pound frame didn’t need a body adjustment. “I’m lucky to be blessed where I didn’t have to drop any pounds.’’In the Tampa 2 defensive scheme that Smith is implementing, speed is paramount.“We acknowledged that as a football team we needed to lose some weight,’’ Smith said. “Guys did that. We want strong linebackers who can run. I just think weight is one of the most overrated things there is. Strength isn’t, weight is. The lighter we are, the quicker and faster we’ll be.’’Quote of the day “I couldn’t tell you. ... I was watching the weather most of the time.’’ — Smith, when asked which players caught his eye during Friday’s abbreviated practiceDid you know?The Bucs have revamped their locker room with new plush carpeting. The digital clock counting down the time remaining until the next regular-season game has been moved from the back wall to the front wall.By the numbers49 — Number of minutes the Bucs practiced Friday due to inclement weather 150 — Number of minutes the Bucs were scheduled to practice on Friday 10 — Number of practices remaining before Tampa Bay’s Aug. 8 preseason opener at Jacksonville Ira KaufmanTraining camp scheduleThe following practice sessions are open and free to the public, with all practices at One Buccaneer Place except the Aug. 1 night practice at Raymond James Stadium.Sunday: 2–4:30 p.m.Monday: 1-3:30 p.m.Thursday: 2–4:30 p.m.Friday: 7:30-9:30 p.m.Sunday, Aug. 3: 4:30–7 p.m.Monday, Aug. 4: 4:30–7 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 5: 4:30–7 p.m.Sunday, Aug. 10: 2–4:30 p.m.Monday, Aug. 11: 4:30–7 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 12: 4:30–7 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 14: 2–4:30 p.m. NOTE: Dates and times subject to change.
