Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Geno Hayes stepping into Derrick Brooks' place

TAMPA — Geno Hayes has been getting some guidance these days from an impeccable source, a man who knows a little bit about playing linebacker in the NFL and whose presence helped define the Bucs defense for years.

He also happens to be the guy whose formidable footsteps Hayes is following in the starting lineup — Derrick Brooks.

No. 55 is gone, having been released in the offseason as part of the team's retooling movement with an emphasis on youth and speed. But that hasn't stopped Brooks from chatting by phone with Hayes, offering tips and support to the second-year Buc and fellow Florida State Seminole.

The first-team job went to the speedy 6-foot-1, 226-pounder two weeks ago when coach Raheem Morris pulled the plug on plans to shift safety Jermaine Phillips into Brooks' slot. Phillips moved back to the secondary because of injuries and the looming four-game suspension of safety Tanard Jackson.

That opened the door to Hayes, 22, who grew up in north Florida idolizing Brooks when he starred for FSU and later the Bucs.

"I talked to him last week before the (Houston) game — he gave me some pointers and told me what I needed to do, and what to expect," said Hayes, making his starting debut Sunday in the season opener against Dallas.

"That means a lot to me. Just growing up watching him and being a fan myself, to have the opportunity to get advice from somebody you've looked up to for so many years is real big."

Hayes isn't the only new starting linebacker. Quincy Black has replaced Cato June, with fifth-year veteran Barrett Ruud calling the defensive signals from the middle. For Hayes, the opportunity comes with high expectations but the sixth-round pick from 2008 says he's ready for the challenge.

"I approach the job every day with the same attitude — that I'm coming out here to win," he said. "I'm coming out here to do my job. There hasn't been any change of mind-set for me. Being a starter now boosts my confidence up, and it gives me the opportunity to go out there and have a lot of fun."

The role could be a little different than when Brooks played during his 14 seasons, lining up facing the tight end on the weak or "Will" side. Black, playing the strong or "Sam" side, could be the one called on to line up facing the tight end — All-Pro Jason Witten in the case of the Cowboys. But the duties could change during games depending on the situation.

One thing is certain: Hayes has made a strong impression on his coaches since Day 1. He made his biggest impact as a rookie by blocking a punt against Carolina and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown Oct. 12. But his season ended in Week 11 with a knee injury against the Vikings. He came into camp as a backup to Phillips, and now the job is his.

"Geno's got a big test as starting Will linebacker," Morris said. "He's got to get out there and give it his best effort. … He'll start the game off, and we'll probably roll somebody in there to give him a rest. We'll roll him in and out to keep him fresh."

Says Phillips: "Geno prepares each week like he's going to start. He's been waiting for this opportunity and now that it's here, he's going to relish the moment. Geno is fast, and whatever he does, he needs to play fast and not worry about making mistakes, which he knows. Just go out there and play ball. If you make a mistake, just get back up and keep playing. Geno's going to be a good player in this league for a long time."

Ruud said Hayes isn't worried about moving into the spotlight. "If you know Geno, he's pretty laid-back, and the good thing is he's taking this seriously," he said. "He's working hard. He's studying. And he's a pretty instinctive football player, too. So I think he'll play well."

Hayes hopes he lives up to the standards of his predecessor.

"It's crazy, you know — I grew up watching him and now here I am," he said. "I know a lot of people have high expectations for me, and I have high expectations for myself. And now I'm just going to out there and put it all on the field."