Buccaneers Rookie Cornerback Named Minicamp Surprise by ESPN

Look out for this Appalachian State product in the regular season.

River Wells | Jun 30, 2024

Sep 23, 2023; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers cornerback Tyrek Funderburk (2) mishandles a punt against the Wyoming Cowboys during the third quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While a large majority of undrafted free agents don't hit for the teams that sign them, a few of them end up proving they can play football in the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have had some good luck with them recently, and it seems like they may have hit on another one heading into training camp.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers UDFA cornerback Tyrek Funderburk out of Appalachian State has been getting some attention recently, and the buzz is only increasing as training camp draws nearer. ESPN released an article on one UDFA that surprised during minicamp, and Funderburk was named for Tampa Bay.

Here's what ESPN reporter Jenna Laine had to say about Funderburk:

"Funderburk, an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State, picked off Kyle Trask on the first day of mandatory minicamp and dropped a second interception on Day 2 off John Wolford. 'He's a guy that's flashed out of pads,' coach Todd Bowles said."

The Bucs had some good fortune and scouting when it came to UDFA players last year. Cornerback Christian Izien started at nickel as a UDFA in 2023, and the team also kept wideout Rakim Jarrett and pass rusher Markees Watts, all three of whom are still on the team heading into training camp. If Funderburk can make an impact on special teams and keeps up his impressive play in training camp, the Bucs may have hit on another UDFA this year.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.

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Published Jun 25, 2024|Modified Jun 30, 2024

RIVER WELLS

River Wells is a sports journalist from St. Petersburg, Florida, who has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2023. He graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Florida in 2021. You can follow him on Twitter @riverhwells.