TAMPA — As expected, Joe Hawley will open the season as the Bucs' starting center, winning a close competition with fellow veteran Evan Smith, coach Dirk Koetter said after Friday's practice.
"I think it would be fair to say we feel like we have two starting centers,'' Koetter said. "In this particular case, because we did have some injuries in fall camp, could Evan Smith's versatility have worked against him? Yes. There were days where he had to play starting guard at both sides and Joe's the center. Both those guys are going to play throughout the season.