After Tom Brady’s retirement, the Bucs 2022 quarterback situation is in flux. While many things can change by the fall, there is a possibility that second-round pick Kyle Trask could be the starter.

In the moment, Trask is unproven. The last time we saw him play, Trask was still adjusting to NFL speeds in training camp and preseason action. It’s tough to gauge his development so far.

Can he be the future of the Bucs? His former teammate at Florida believes so. I caught up with Gators’ running back Dameon Pierce at the Senior Bowl, where he gave Trask his full vote of confidence. Pierce and Trask were teammates for three seasons in Gainesville.

“Kyle Trask, man, I have no doubt in his ability,” Pierce said. “In his mindset and his mentality as a player to handle being a captain or leader of an NFL team. He has all the intangibles. The guy works hard every day. He deserves it, honestly.”

In terms of work ethic and effort, Pierce compared Trask to one of the all-time greats at Florida.

“He’s a guy who works hard every day,” Pierce said. “He kind of gives me old school (Tim) Tebow vibes.”

While Pierce is talking about his teammate of the past, they could be teammates once again in the NFL. The Bucs only have one running back under contract at the moment and very well may draft another ball carrier in April. Pierce confirmed that he spoke with the Bucs this week.

Pierce has been one of the standout players so far at the Senior Bowl, getting the job done in many ways. The senior accelerated to the second level on a couple runs, breaking away from the defense. Pierce also showed the ability to break tackles at the line of scrimmage as well.

Pierce stood out specifically as a receiver during Wednesday’s practice. Drops were frequent playing in the wind and rain, but Pierce was sure-handed, making several difficult catches.

Measuring in at 5-foot-9, 220 pounds, he’s built like a truck, but is quick enough to get up the field. During his senior year, which was highlighted by scoring a touchdown against Florida State with his helmet off,  Pierce rushed for 574 yards on 100 attempts with 13 touchdowns and made 19 receptions for 216 yards and three trips to the end zone.

Many Gators fans were unhappy with his usage in the offense. While Florida constantly rotated their running backs, many felt Pierce should have been given more opportunities. But Pierce took that as a learning lesson, especially considering that in today’s NFL many teams rotate their backs.

“The game is continuously evolving, especially at the running back position,” Pierce said. “It doesn’t hurt to have more fresh legs, especially if you have three guys that know exactly what they’re doing. That three running back rotation at Florida, it really prepared me for the NFL. It taught me the little things. Like if I wasn’t on the field, it taught me how to cheer my brothers on.

“They’re playing the same position I’m playing, doing the same things I’m doing. But for me to have the bond and connection with them, we’re just well-knit in that running back room. Everybody’s rooting each other on. There wasn’t hate, it wasn’t nothing like that. It’s all love. We all really want to see each other do well.”

With that said, he’s ready to to be an every-down back in the NFL, if necessary.

“I’m just trying to prove everything that they already think is good,” Pierce said. “Prove that I’m an every-down back. Five-down if you need me. I’m just trying to prove I’m an every down back and a guy that can play in the NFL.  I can set the tone. I can get things going early, especially when I get in a groove and my adrenaline gets rushing.”

And don’t worry, Bucs fans. He can pass block too. Pierce closed out practice with a great one-on-one drill, causing the American team offense to go crazy.