Calijah Kancey Is Again – And Higher Than Ever

For a second, it virtually felt as if it was deja vu another time when Bucs defensive deal with Calijah Kancey was sidelined throughout coaching camp. Kancey, the Bucs’ first spherical decide from a season in the past had been out for over 10 days with a knee damage and it was not sure if we’d see him at a apply achieve till the common season started.

After the Bucs returned from Jacksonville, Calijah Kancey returned to apply on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday’s apply was a giant one for him as he recorded a sack in 11-on-11 drills and likewise regarded good in a number of one-on-one drills towards Tampa Bay offensive linemen.

Calijah Kancey Feels Nice

Far and away the most important take a look at, although, was going up towards the Dolphins within the joint coaching camp apply on Wednesday. It introduced a brand new offense to have a look at and dissect whereas competing towards gamers that he hadn’t confronted earlier than.

Bucs DT Calijah Kancey – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

“The work towards Miami was superior,” Kancey stated. “It was lastly enjoyable to go towards another person aside from your guys. I really feel like we received after it at present – each side of the ball. Actually simply seeing one thing totally different. These guys are literally shifting up entrance, laterally. Lining up in entrance of a special helmet, aside from our guys, not understanding what to anticipate.

“The primary time going towards them, [I was] attempting to observe slightly movie from once we scrimmaged like two years in the past, I imagine, and their final preseason sport. Going towards them and getting the bodily reps, I believe it was superior.”

Any concern over Kancey’s minor knee damage can formally exit the window. Kancey regarded simply advantageous speeding the passer and stuffing the run. Considered one of his strongest fits as a defensive deal with is how fast he’s, significantly off the ball, so the truth that he’s shifting in addition to he was is an effective signal for Tampa Bay.

“I really feel nice, I’m in nice form,” Calijah Kancey stated. “My physique is wholesome. I really feel good – I used to be shifting round on the market and having enjoyable with the boys.”

Calijah Kancey Finishes His First Actual Bucs Coaching Camp

Although it’s his second 12 months within the NFL and Calijah Kancey is anticipated to take one other huge soar after what was actually his first coaching camp. Final 12 months, the previous first-round decide injured his calf early on the third day of apply earlier than the Bucs ever went to full pads and he missed the whole preseason. Kancey got here again for Week 1 however re-aggravated the damage, which brought about him to overlook extra time till returning in Week 6 towards Detroit.

Bucs DT Calijah Kancey – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

So this time round, Kancey for essentially the most half went by the trials and tribulations of what a coaching camp is like in Tampa. This 12 months’s damage was solely minor, however he’s held up properly and is acting at a excessive degree too.

“I really feel nice,” Kancey stated. “Having the ability to knock the rust off and simply truly go towards your guys…[They] know what you’re going to do, and what they’re going to do, however how do you continue to win? I believe that’s what makes it higher for me and my teammates – having the ability to go towards somebody on a regular basis and get a win or be taught out of your loss. I believe it’s superior. By the point the season is right here, you’re prepared for no matter is in entrance of you and also you’re all able to go.”

A part of the explanation why the Bucs protection goes to achieve success is due to Kancey and fellow nostril deal with Vita Vea, who’s slimmed down this season. Primarily based on what we’ve seen all through camp, Tampa Bay is primed to be nice at stopping the run once more whereas Kancey’s enhanced pass-rushing capacity ought to assist enhance in that space with extra expertise that he’s gained by truly taking part in coaching camp this 12 months.