HOLLYWOOD RETURNS: Former Chamberlain and North Carolina State WR Brian Clark made his official return home when Tampa Bay signed him to its practice squad Monday. To make room for Clark, the Bucs released CB Darrell Hunter.

"I was looking online and found One Buc Place. I clicked and saw the picture and thought, 'That's not the One Buc Place I remember,'" Clark said. "It was definitely a surprise. I didn't even know the old mall [Tampa Bay Center] was knocked down. I haven't been on this side of town in years."

Clark, whose nickname was "Hollywood" at Chamberlain, helped lead the Chiefs to the state finals in 2001. He later signed with the Wolfpack and, as a senior, Clark tallied 25 catches for 537 yards and a team-high six touchdowns. He was not drafted in 2006 and signed with Denver.

After starting on the practice squad, Clark was on Denver's active roster by Week 4 and returned kickoffs. He returned 23 kickoffs for 512 yards last season, and had three returns for 70 yards in four games this year before being released last Tuesday.

"It's a bittersweet thing. I'm happy to be back [in Tampa], but at the same time, it's at the cost of being released by the Broncos, not being on the active roster anymore and not being able to contribute," Clark said. "My wife and I had been talking and it's a fresh start for me. A great opportunity to wipe the slate clean, come out and just work.

"That's what I did in Denver, so that's what I'm hoping I can do here."

Clark, 24, will have to impress the coaching staff in practice and show he can contribute on special teams to play on Sundays. Bucs RB Michael Bennett is returning kickoffs; CB Phillip Buchanon, WR Joey Galloway and WR Ike Hilliard are returning punts.

It may be hard for Clark to crack Tampa Bay's roster this season, but it is a goal he is willing to work toward.

"If it's meant for me to be on the practice squad, I'm going to do everything it takes to help this defense, be a special teams guy and get ready for a championship," Clark said. "That in itself will be rewarding, but as an individual, I want to get on that 53 and want to be a part of that 45 on Sunday, compete and still win."