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Buccaneers name Jameis Winston starting quarterback

Coach Lovie Smith officially named the first overall pick in the NFL draft his starting quarterback on Friday, saying the 2013 Heisman Trophy is ready for the role.

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In case it wasn’t obvious before, it’s crystal clear now: Jameis Winston is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback.

Former Clemson defensive lineman Da’Quan BowersDa’Quan BowersDefensive End (2008 – 2010) #93 6-4, 277 Bamberg, SCView Full Profile has signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday afternoon.

No other NFL team had shown interest in acquiring Bowers during the whole summer and so the team did not hesitate to bring him back up for another chance.

A 6-foot-4, 288-pound product of Clemson University, Bowers was considered the top pass-rushing prospect in the 2011 draft class until a knee injury damaged his value.

On Saturday, the Buccaneers will open up training camp action.

Winston shared snaps with third-year pro Mike Glennon during minicamp and OTA’s, working with second- and third-stringers, as well as the No. 1 offense.

Smith reiterated Winston is not the only key to turning around a team that’s had three coaches and eight different starting quarterbacks since last making the playoffs. “He’ll take first reps tomorrow”.

He had nothing but good things to say about the Bucs’ new signal-caller. It’s where we feel like he is. Several teams will be eyeing quarterback help if this year does not go as planned. “Jameis doesn’t need a mentor”, he said, per NFL Media’s Jeff Darlington.

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“All this talk about Jameis needing a mentor …”

Sports reporter Paul Ryan