THE BUCCANEER OF THE YEAR - EARNEST GRAHAM This was the closest of all the awards in 2007 with just a single vote separating the winner from the runner-up, from offense to defense. And the winner was the unsung hero of the 2007 Buccaneers, RB Earnest Graham. Stepping into the starting role when pretty much every other Buc back went down injured, he rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and set a franchise record by scoring in five straight games. Close behind was Derrick Brooks trying to repeat his 2004 success but falling just short. And close behind them came Jeff Garcia and Ronde Barber filling out the top four spots. Monte Kiffin and Jon Gruden took a fair number of votes as of course did Micheal Spurlock for his kick-return heroics, whilst Mike Alstott and Joey Galloway filled out the votes received by offensive players on the field in 2007. Off the field, the likes of Denis Crawford and myself received multiple votes and we will both have the cheques in the post later this week. Single votes were cast for Rick Bisaccia, Lee Bromfield, the Bucs ticket office, Mike Davidson, Nick Houllis, Phil Jones, Barrett Ruud, Chris Simms, Jeremiah Trotter and Greg White. Previous winners 1985 - Rick Odioso 1989 - James Wilder 1990 - Vinny Testaverde 1991 - Broderick Thomas 1992 - Sam Wyche 1993 - Hardy Nickerson 1994 - Craig Erickson 1995 - Trent Dilfer 1996 - Tony Dungy 1997 - Tony Dungy 1998 - Mike Newquist 1999 - Mike Newquist 2000 - Phil Jones 2001 - Clive Williams 2002 - Scott Smith 2003 - John Lynch 2004 - Derrick Brooks 2005 - Mike Alstott 2006 - Mike Alstott This award is named for Bob Timoney, former head of the Clearwater Bucs Bunch and a friend to many people in the Bucs UK. It is given to the person who has most summed up the spirit of being a Buccaneer over the past 12 months, whether it be player, coach, official or fan.