The Bucs came through with a bit of a surprise on Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey with the No. 19 overall pick. And while he comes to Tampa Bay via the University of Pittsburgh, he’s actually a Florida native. Because of that, he already has something in common with one of his new teammates.

After growing up in the Miami area, Kancey attended Miami Northwestern High School, the same high school as legendary Bucs linebacker Lavonte David. Now, the two will be playing together on the same defense.

Bucs general manager Jason Licht spoke glowingly about Kancey during his press conference on Thursday night and mentioned that similarity between the 22-year-old and David. He then went as far as comparing the two in terms of their demeanor and leadership styles.

“[He’s] super intelligent, just a great competitor,” Licht said. “He’s from the same area of Miami — same high school as Lavonte. Very, very similar personalities and ways that they lead. Just [an] intense, fiery competitor. We’re just really, really happy.”

Calijah Kancey Drawing Comparisons To Lavonte David Is A Good Sign

Bucs LB Lavonte David – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Calijah Kancey drawing any type of comparison to David is high praise, as the 33-year-old linebacker has become a fan favorite over the years due not only to his play on the field but also because of his personality and lead-by-example mentality. The longtime captain has never been one for drama, endearing himself to the Tampa Bay faithful ever since he was drafted in the second round of the 2012 Draft.

If Kancey is like David — albeit at a different position — the Bucs should count themselves lucky.

In his first interview with the local Tampa media, Kancey was asked to describe who Bucs fans are getting with him coming to town to suit up in red, white and pewter. His answer was a good one.

“Bucs nation is getting a ball player, a guy that they can depend on, a guy who they don’t have to worry about off the field,” he said. “But on the field, he’s going to make those plays. A great guy, a strong guy and a ball player… A hard worker.”

One other comparison that can be drawn between Kancey and David is the fact that they’re viewed as undersized for their positions. David has outplayed the worries that he was too undersized to be an NFL linebacker, putting together a phenomenal 11-year career in which he has been one of the more underrated linebackers in the league throughout its duration.

Kancey is an undersized defensive tackle, but his speed and athleticism give him an opportunity to outplay those concerns the way David has. Because of those doubts about their size, both guys play with a chip on their respective shoulders. That’s something Kancey pointed out when asked about the future Bucs Ring of Honor member.

New Bucs DT Calijah Kancey Photo By: USA Today

“Lavonte David is a blue-collared guy,” Kancey said. “A guy that keeps that chip on his shoulder, kind of reminds me of myself as well. Just two Miami guys going through the Miami Northwestern [High School], the powerhouse of Miami football. Staying on the course and not forgetting that we got that chip on our shoulder, that’s something that stands out from him to me.”

In terms of on-field traits, Calijah Kancey certainly adds a new element of pass rush ability to the Bucs’ defensive line. He received a 92.4 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus last season, which was the highest mark of any defensive tackle in college football. He tallied 34.5 tackles for loss in his career at Pitt, with 16 sacks to boot.

Another thing Kancey has in common with David? Speed. Kancey’s 4.67 time in the 40-yard dash was the fastest time in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine for any player over 280 pounds.

Bucs legend and Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp ran a 4.69 in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis back in 1995, checking in at 6-foot-1, 281 pounds. That’s the exact same measurements that Kancey has.

The 2022 unanimous All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year will pair nicely with Vita Vea and Logan Haul in the long term.