By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 29, 2011
After a whirlwind, sleepless night in New York City, Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round draft pick Adrian Clayborn hopped an early-morning flight to Tampa and has been at One Buc Place all day getting accustomed to his new digs and new team.
In his just completed introductory press conference with Tampa Bay media, the former Iowa star made it clear he's going to be a lunchpail sort of player.
When the subject of finesse defensive ends was raised, Clayborn interrupted mid-sentence and deadpanned, "That's not me. I like to be physical."
It's something he takes great pride in, bullrushing opposing offensive linemen with his strength and size.
"That's how I play," he said. "I like to play aggressive, with passion and I like to get after people."
And he's glad he'll be doing it for the Bucs.
"Since I stated this draft process, it's been the team that I liked the most," Clayborn said. "When I came for my visit here, it was the best. When I got that call yesterday, my eyes just lit up. I just want to tell all the Bucs fans, thanks for having me here and I'm excited to get it started."