One of the Bucs’ 2023 draft picks out of Pitt is breaking out in his second season — and it’s not defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.

Inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis, also known as “Voss,” is putting together an impressive sophomore NFL season and playing a vital role in Tampa Bay’s defense. After the question as to whether the team properly addressed the position after Devin White left for the Eagles in free agency, Dennis has begun to answer it by piling up tackles and continuing to grow in a bigger role next to veteran Lavonte David.

Speaking to the media this week, David believes in Dennis’ ability to take over his spot when the 34-year-old decides to hang them up.

SirVocea Dennis Is “Willing To Be Great”

Bucs ILB SirVocea Dennis – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Lavonte David is nearing the end of his NFL career, and the Bucs are surely considering who will be his successor when he hangs up his cleats after a lengthy reign as one of the league’s best inside linebackers.

David believes that SirVocea Dennis can be the one to do it.

“Yeah I believe so,” David said. “Me and Voss are really comfortable with each other. He asks questions, I try to teach him certain things and stuff like that. He’s a guy who is willing to learn, and when you got a young guy who is willing to learn, willing to be great, taking coaching, and just trying to take what he learns in a certain moment on the practice field and put it on the field.

“That’s somebody who you want on your football team. Voss is one of those guys. Whenever I do decide to hang it up or whatever, I’m sure he would be able to fill that role eagerly.”

Head coach Todd Bowles has deployed a two-man inside linebacker rotation between him and K.J. Britt, and it is as close to a 50/50 split as it could be.

K.J. Britt vs. SirVocea Dennis 2024 Snap Counts:

Bucs ILB SirVocea Dennis – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

K.J. Britt — Week 1: 39 (66%), Week 2: 41 (48%), Week 3: 35 (51%)

SirVocea Dennis — Week 1: 21 (36%), Week 2 44 (52%), Week 3 34 (50%)

After only logging 101 defensive snaps through 13 games as a rookie, Dennis is already nearing that total with 99 defensive snaps across the first three games this season.

Despite K.J. Britt and Dennis competing for snaps and not playing nearly as much as the other defensive starters, Dennis is third on the team with 22 total tackles. “Voss” also recorded his first career sack in the season opener and notched a career-high 11 total tackles in Week 2 against the Lions.

He has quickly asserted himself as a physical player and capable tackler with improved coverage skills. It comes as little surprise then that David sees Dennis as the future of the position.

SirVocea Dennis Discusses What Has Allowed Him To Come Into His Own

SirVocea Dennis appeared on the Pewter Report Podcast in the offseason discussing his goals going into year two, and Dennis recently detailed how he has started to reach them as the game has slowed down for him.

Bucs ILB SirVocea Dennis and Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs – Photo by: USA Today

Film study has been a big part of his development, but so has being out there with the guys, Lavonte David included.

“I believe it’s slowed down for me,” Dennis said. “I can credit that due to a lot of film, just being out there with the guys. A lot of practice reps. I think the game has definitely slowed down for me and I’m just excited where it goes on from here.”

When it comes to where he has seen the most growth in his game, knowledge is power.

“I would say knowledge of the game, really,” Dennis added. “At the end of the day, football is still football. But year after year, the speed of it changes. As it slows down, you get more knowledgeable. As you get more knowledgeable, the game just comes to you a little better. I think that’s been the biggest thing for me this year, just getting more knowledge and letting it slow down for me.”

SirVocea Dennis is just starting to come into his own, and if he continues his strong play, he will work himself into the long-term plans as a starting Bucs inside linebacker.