Undrafted QB Nick Fitzgerald from Mississippi State spoke to the media today.
"I'd love to get on special teams, have a chance to do that, maybe go run some routes, do something. I'm always open to do whatever I can. Make the team first and then obviously help the team while I'm on it. Whatever they ask, I'm willing to do."
🗣 @nickfitz07 pic.twitter.com/4SMhJF8igg
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 11, 2019
Fitzgerald not being drafted was a bit of a surprise. That surprise could end up being a blessing in disguise for the Buccaneers.
Nick Fitzgerald was a 3-Star recruit coming out of high school in Georgia. Fitzgerald red-shirted his Freshman year and backed up QB Dak Prescott his 2nd year before starting as a Sophomore. Once Fitzgerald took over the starting job he flourished throwing for 54 TD’s and running for 45 during his 3 years as the Bulldog’s starter.
Fitzgerald went undrafted and was signed as a free agent by the Buccaneers. This is typically where most would assume Fitzgerald was brought in merely as a camp body. More often than not you would be right, this appears to not be one of those times.
Fitzgerald has a particularly unique skill set that the Buccaneers hope can excel at this level. Yes he can throw the ball, but it appears the Buccaneers covet his running ability as much if not more. The Buccaneers think they might have found their version of New Orleans Saints “Utility Man” Taysom Hill and Fitzgerald seems to embrace this role. When asked about playing multiple roles with the team Fitzgerald responded with,
“I’m perfectly fine with that.”
A 6’5 QB who can and is willing to line up at WR, RB, and even play special teams? Yes please and thank you.
Fitzgerald comes across as the “boy next door”. He carries himself well with the media and says all the right things. Does that mean he will be successful in this league? No, but it is refreshing to see a rookie QB willing to do whatever is asked of him.
Fitzgerald was asked about the Buccaneers giving him a chance,
“It truly is a blessing being here” and continued, “couldn’t be more thrilled with the opportunity.”
Safe to say the Buccaneers feel the same way.
