Former Bucs players missing at sea

Clearwater, Florida - The Coast Guard is searching for four missing boaters about 50 miles west of Clearwater Pass Sunday.

Two of them are former Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Victor "Marquis" Cooper and Corey Smith. The other two are former USF football players, Will Blakely and Nick Schuyler.

According to the Coast Guard, the four boaters left the Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater Pass in a 21-foot center console boat early Saturday morning.

Cooper's truck and boat trailer are still parked at the boat ramp in Clearwater. A 24-hour parking pass is displayed on the front dash, indicating the boaters intended to be back within the day.

10 Connects talked with Schuyler's father, Stu, who said the four know each other through working out at L.A. Fitness.

Schuyler says the last time he talked to his son was Friday afternoon, because Nick said he was going to bed early so he could get sleep before the early morning fishing trip.

Schuyler also told 10 Connects that the first time his son went fishing with Cooper and Smith was last weekend. That trip lasted fifteen hours.

"I was worried sick and told him never to do that to me again," said Schuyler. "Now, I'm hopeful but still expecting the worst." Through tears, he added, "[My son is] my life, I don't know what I'll do."

If anyone has any information regarding this case they are asked to call Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at or by marine VHF radio channel 16.

More Background Information:

Cooper is 26-years-old and last played for the Bucs in 2005. He now plays for the Oakland Raiders.

Smith is 29-years-old and last played for the Bucs in 2004. He now plays for the Detroit Lions.