Former University of Albany FCS Football Star David McCarty Heading To NFL Tampa Bay Bucs Mini Camp - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany's David McCarty has stepped around and through defensive ends and cornerbacks for the last four years as the school's all-time leading rusher. His movement on the gridiron takes a different path when the tailback steps on the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' National Football League Rookie Mini-Camp this weekend.

"It's taken a while for this to sink in," said McCarty, who was invited to Tampa Bay's rookie camp earlier this week. "I just want a shot to see what I can do, just that one shot."

Only rookies and first-year players will participate in the mini-camp, which begins on Friday at 2:05 p.m. Eastern. The Buccaneers are expected to have at least 70 players on the field, including approximately 40 on tryout contracts. These type of camps have become the normal post-draft procedure for just about every NFL organization.

McCarty set the program standard with 4,287 career rushing yards, but was hampered by several injuries as a senior. However, the 6-foot, 215-pound standout who helped lead UAlbany to a pair of Northeast Conference championships and a Gridiron Classic title still hopes to become one of those players who was not drafted or signed immediately to make an NFL roster, whether it's the 53-man or practice squad.

Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris will bring the rookies in on Thursday evening for an orientation session prior to the first workout. Morris is no stranger to the Division I FCS level after having played at Hofstra in the 1990s and coached at both Cornell and his alma mater.

"I didn't think much about the NFL until my senior year," explained McCarty, a three-time All-Northeast Conference selection who also ran for 100-plus yards a school-record 24 times. "I knew I had a slight opportunity. I just need to show them that I have gotten quicker."

McCarty sprints for his morning plane and a new football journey.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes wrapped up spring football practice on Wednesday with a 90-minute afternoon session at Mara-Tisch Field ... UAlbany played its annual spring scrimmage game last Saturday ... the Great Danes begin the 2010 schedule on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Maine.

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics