Second-year offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttah, who started five games last season, said Tuesday he is working with the first-team offensive line during OTAs in place of returning starter Arron Sears.

"I'm working with the 1s right now," said Zuttah, who has focused in on left guard after learning all five line positions as a rookie.

This week's voluntary practices are closed to the media, but when asked if Sears was working with the team, Zuttah said he was not. It's unknown whether Sears' absence is injury-related or not.

"He's not here. We can't worry about who's not here," Zuttah said. "I'm just trying to go where I'm at. If I'm in, I'm in there."

Zuttah, who played in 12 games last season as a rookie, said he has dropped about eight pounds and now weighs 295 pounds, which helps in the Bucs' new zone-blocking scheme. Zuttah worked in a similar system at Rutgers and said the scheme suits his strengths as a lineman.

"I like it. They like the quick, athletic linemen for that scheme, and I feel like I fit very well into it," he said.

HOMETOWN BREAKOUT?: With each practice, it seems a new name arises as a potential breakout receiver behind proven veterans Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton. First-year tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts has been impressed with what he's seen from Brian Clark, a Chamberlain grad who caught one pass in nine games with the Bucs last season.

Roberts has known Clark since his high school days, having recruited him while working as an assistant at Florida Atlantic. Clark wound up at N.C. State, but in the past month of OTAs, Roberts has been reminded of why he liked him.

"He's the consummate pro," Roberts said. "He's shown a lot of
promise. Early on, he's been diligent in working and finishing plays and
making at least one wild play a day. He can absolutely get in (the
mix)."

-- Greg Auman, Times staff writer