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LAKE BUENA VISTA — With almost everyone back for a dash at defending their NFC South title, you might expect Tampa Bay’s Buccanneers to mostly run in place during training camp, which begins Friday for the fourth consecutive year at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex just six exits up I-4 from here and ends on Aug. 17.

After all, 21 starters return, including Simeon Rice, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber, who anchor a defensive unit intent on making it 10 straight seasons as top 10 in the NFL, a feat not accomplished since Dallas swarmed the old NFC East from 1970-79. Even ball-hawking safety Will Allen, the lone listee as a non-starter, took the first snaps in eight games last season.

The entire starting offensive line is back, as are the starting receivers, both primary tight ends, running back Cadillac Williams (the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year last season), Williams’ backups and veteran fullback Mike Alstott. Of major importance is the return of quarterback Chris Simms, the oncoming lefty who will begin training camp for the first time in four years as the unquestioned starter.

Simms, who took over for the injured Brian Griese early last season, cemented his status as a first-teamer during the 11-6 season that included several comebacks and ended with the 17-10 first-round home playoff loss against Washington.

Kick in returning punter Josh Bidwell and placekicker Matt Bryant and the Bucs seem set in stone.

Such notions, of course, drive fifth-year Bucs coach Jon Gruden crazy. No doubt his visor will be spinning from the second his players report to the Celebration Hotel today.

“Well, I don’t do cartwheels on the way home, you know what I mean?” said the indefatigable Gruden. “I’ve never been comfortable. You know that. I try not to get too comfortable in my job or my marriage or anything.”

To spread a bit of driving discomfort to the cohesion, Gruden used his top two draft picks on offensive linemen — Davin Joseph (1st round/23rd overall) and Jeremy Trueblood (2nd/59th) — and added free agents Torrin Tucker and Tonin Fonoti. Along with Chris Colmer, the group is expected not only to push Anthony Davis (LG), Dan Buenning (LG), John Wade (C), Sean Mahan (RG) and Kenyatta Walker (RT), but to shove with them for starting positions.

Another area to keep a keen eye on is linebacker, where speedster Jamie Winborn is expected to challenge Ryan Nece on the strong side and it is hoped Barrett Rudd can more often spell Shelton Quarles in the middle. Brooks, of course, is an immovable object on the weak side.

Longtime cornerstones Barber (who could be a free agent next year but may be close to signing an extension) and Brian Kelly are entrenched, but the battle for the third (nickel corner) spot should be a doozy between frontrunner Juran Bolden, rookie Alan Zemaitis and Blue Adams. Further, the Bucs have expressed an interest in signing former Tampa Bay corner Dwight Smith, who was released by New Orleans last week.

Other things to watch:

-- RECEIVERS: Will a 100 percent Michael Clayton, who followed a sensational rookie campaign with last season’s injury-riddled disappointment, rebound? Can free-agent receiver David Boston and rookie flanker Maurice Stovall catch on in a big way?

-- BACKUP QUARTERBACK: Veteran journeyman Jay Fiedler, a 34-year-old recent acquisition, seems likely here, but Gruden is enamored with rookie Bruce Gradkowski of Toledo. Veteran Tim Rattay still is in the mix.

-- KICK RETURNERS: Michael Pittman (kickoffs) and Mark Jones (punts) are back, but Torrie Cox and Edell Shepherd will join them in fighting to return kicks. Rookie Justin Phinisee was drafted specifically as a return man.

-- DEFENSIVE LINE: The personnel are set, but the coach is new. How will Jethro Fanklin step in for longtime Bucs assistant Rod Marinelli, who now is head coach in Detroit?

Still, there are lots more answers than questions at this point, something Gruden feels good about. Just don’t expect Gruden or his players to lean on their laurels.

“We have a chance to grow together and we do have 21 starters from last year’s team,” Gruden said. “Hopefully, we have some young guys who will push those 21 starters through training camp.

“I’ve been so proud of them. We’re going to play, we’re going to work, we’re going to be ready to roll. Whether or not we coach good enough, that remains to be seen. But this football team will be in the upper level in this league in terms of work ethic. They work hard, they love football, they like to compete and they show a healthy respect for each other.

“It’s fun to come to work with these guys.”

Bucs training camp

-- WHERE: Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, 800 Victory Way, Lake Buena Vista (approximately 15 miles SW of Orlando)

-- DIRECTIONS: Take I-75 North to ¥ I-4 East toward Orlando. Take Exit 62 (World Drive). Take the Exit for Wide World of Sports/Osceola Parkway. Continue to the first traffic light and take a right onto Victory Way. Continue to complex.

-- WHEN: Friday through Aug. 17. Most days (including the first nine) will include two, two-hour sessions — beginning at 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Schedule is subject to change on a daily basis. For daily practice session updates, go to: www.buccanneers.com

-- ADMISSION/PARKING: Free