NORTH, SC — The pride of North, South Carolina Freddie Martino is about to enter his third season in the NFL. The Tampa Bay wide receiver played college ball at North Greenville University.
Freddie went undrafted in 2014 and was picked up for Falcons camp. He appeared in one game in Atlanta and sat out the whole 2015 season. But Tampa Bay scooped him up on a two year deal in 2016 and he is entering a contract year.
"I had a good OTAs, mini camp, so I just got to have a good training camp and all that going into the season and it's going to be a good one for me," Freddie said. "I'm familiar with the system and familiar with the coaches."
The former NGU Crusader made a few plays on offense since being in Tampa and with a lot riding on this season for him it'll be important that he catches a lot of balls and make plays. In two years he's totaled 23 catches for 238 yards and a touchdown for the Bucs.
"I just know heading into training camp, having a good training camp, balling out and carrying that over into the season. The plays are going to be made, the opportunities are going to be there so it's up to me to just capitalize on the opportunity and make the most of it."
Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston will be serve a three game suspension for violating the NFL's code of conduct policy but Freddie isn't worried about Jameis or Ryan Fitzpatrick being under center. He believes he and the Bucs can have a great year.
"I'm confident. When Jameis went down last year Fitzpatrick stepped in and he made plays left and right. It's the next man up system. That's all it is in the NFL. I feel like everybody is a capable of playing you just have to wait on your opportunity to get in there and make it happen."
