Calijah Kancey Comes To The Bucs With 3 Objectives

The beginning of Bucs rookie mini-camp meant it was the first time for many of Tampa Bay’s 2023 draft class to see the team’s facility. That wasn’t the case for defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, who already had a press conference after the first day of the draft. Kancey, the team’s No. 1 draft pick and the 19th overall selection, arrives with plenty of intrigue.

Kancey has notched several accolades from his college playing days at Pittsburgh, including ACC Defensive Player of the Year and becoming a consensus All-Americam. After speaking to the media on Friday before the start of his first NFL practice it was apparent that its his attitude and mindset is just as responsible for his success as his quick feet and explosive hands.

Calijah Kancey Has Big Plans With The Bucs

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles, DT Calijah Kancey and GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Calijah Kancey laid out three objectives that he was personally focusing on during his rookie year in Tampa Bay. His mature statement showed why he could become a future leader on Todd Bowles’ defense.

“Right now, my focus, I’ve got three things – learn, engage, and execute,” Kancey said. “I want to learn everyone’s name, for one. I want to learn the playbook. I want to learn my way around Tampa because I only know about Busch Gardens. I’m going to learn all the coaches’ names, everyone’s name around the building – custodians, chefs, everything.

“Then I want to engage, talk to people, get to know them – teammates, coaches, everyone. Then I want to execute. If that person needs me to do something I can go do it, or if coach gives me that assignment, I can go make that play. [Those are] the three things I’m focused on right now.”

Calijah Kancey vs. The Weather

Calijah Kancey actually mentioned one more goal of his, but that one is a necessity that any rookie that gets drafted by Tampa Bay has to deal with – the hot and humid tropical climate in Florida. Kancey grew up in the Miami area, so he’s no stranger to playing in Florida weather. But he did play his college football in much colder weather for three seasons in Pittsburgh. There could be a re-acclimation period for the 6-foot-1, 286-pound defensive tackle.

“My goal is to stay hydrated,” Kancey said. “Staying on top of my hydration, making sure I’m eating just so I can survive in the humidity out here. It’s definitely hotter. It’s not what I was used to college – just got a reminder of what Florida heat is like being back home. I definitely have to be hydrated.”

Todd Bowles Talks About Calijah Kancey’s Role On Bucs Defense

Bucs HC Todd Bowles and DT Calijah Kancey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Following practice, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles took to the lectern and discussed what he wants to see out of his newest defensive tackle. With the group of talented rushing attacks that the Bucs begin the season against, it would be great for Kancey to fit into his role quickly.

“We just want him to play defensive tackle,” Bowles said. “That’s what we got him for. He’s not a stunter, he’s not a this guy or a that guy. He can actually play football. He can play the position without stunting him. As we get to know him and get a feel for everything – what he’s good at, not good at, left side, right side, which hand down and those types of things – based on the pieces around him, we’ll try and use him accordingly.

“Now, he’s focusing on learning the position. We’re not into game-planning or schematics right now – you have to get the basics down and he’s doing that very well. He’s a very bright guy.”