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Bucs WR Bobo Wilson eager to show how far he’s come in 2nd year

Former FSU receiver, promoted to active roster at end of last season, is battling for last WR spots on roster.
 
Published Aug. 6, 2018

TAMPA — A year ago, when HBO's "Hard Knocks" was everywhere at Bucs training camp, it wasn't the best look for then-rookie receiver Bobo Wilson.

In one episode, he wasn't taking criticism from coaches well, and in another, he nearly lost his spot on the practice squad when he drove home to Miami after being cut. "If he doesn't change, he has no chance," coach Dirk Koetter told offensive coordinator Todd Monken while on camera.

Fast forward a year, and Wilson is back on the Bucs' roster bubble, trying to grab the fifth or sixth receiver job when the final cuts are made. Still just 23, he's eager to show how much he's grown in the past year.

"He's come a long way," Koetter said. "Remember, Hard Knocks is a reality show and they pick and choose their spots. Sometimes, if they portray a player in a not-so-pleasant light, that might have been one time out of 100, and that's the one they chose to show because it's good TV. Bobo is very coachable, has improved a lot and has been one of the most improved guys."

RELATED: Bucs WR Bobo Wilson continues to impress

Wilson, a teammate of Jameis Winston at Florida State, was promoted from the Bucs' practice squad for the final three games of last season and even caught an 18-yard touchdown.

"I have a bigger role, learning all three positions, so learning my alignment and assignment and technique is the most important thing," Wilson said. "It's focusing on the little things. I get along with all my coaches. We're all on the same page with my teammates, so it's just getting better."

Wilson is in a battle for the final receiver jobs, up against fifth-round draft pick Justin Watson, as well as Freddie Martino, who has 13 catches for 238 yards over the last two seasons. Wilson could help himself by winning one of the return jobs, and said playing well in preseason is huge for him.

"Very important," Wilson said. "I try to not think of like that and just take it day by day, to control what I can control. I know what I can do, and when the time comes, I'm going to show up."