TAMPA -- He faces long odds, to be sure, but former USF standout Matt Grothe is one of three quarterbacks working out at the Bucs' rookie minicamp, which started Friday afternoon at One Buc Place.

Grothe, wearing a red No. 6 jersey, looked comfortable running through early drills, going through calls and handoffs with former Mississippi quarterback Jevan Snead and former Texas Southern quarterback Bobby Reid. Snead is one of four quarterbacks under contract with the Bucs, while the other two passers are hoping to earn contracts after a strong showing this weekend.

Grothe isn't the only Bulls player here -- tight end Ben Busbee, wearing a red No. 81 jersey, is one of three tight ends working out, and defensive end Aaron Harris, wearing a white No. 96 jersey, is one of eight defensive ends. He's going through drills with the Bucs' top two draft picks, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and Brian Price.

The former Bulls have three days to try to impress Bucs coaches enough to earn a contract -- that's exactly what offensive lineman Marc Dile did last year, making the team's opening-week roster. After being dropped to the practice squad during last season, he's back under contract this off-season.

(The extra-grainy photos are from my point-and-shoot. Times photog Daniel Wallace is here, and we should have much nicer pics shortly.)