Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Maurice Stovall tried to remember the last time he had six receptions in the first half of a game.

"It might have been college," said Stovall, a 2006 third round pick out of Notre Dame. "If not, maybe high school."

But Stovall completed that feat Thursday, racking up a team-best six catches for 73 yards in the first half of the Bucs loss to the Dolphins; three of the receptions resulted in Bucs first downs. In doing so, Stovall made his best case to date on earning the No. 3 receiver spot.

With Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton missing chunks of training camp (and preseason games) due to injuries, it's been up to Stovall to try to take advantage of his reps, in a competition that includes seventh--round pick Sammie Stroughter and Brian Clark. Bucs coach Raheem Morris said someone out of that group would have to step up and earn the No. 3 spot, and that Thursday's game would be another measuring stick.

If so, Stovall put his best foot forward.

"Anytime you're in a game, whether it's offense, defense or special teams, you want to put positive things on tape," Stovall said. "To show the coaches, staff and the players that you belong on the team, that you want to play and are capable of making plays."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com