Saturday at AdventHealth Training Center was a chance to see the Bucs’ second and final day of rookie mini-camp. Not only was it a chance to see the players on the field, but it was also an opportunity to learn more about them during their press conferences. After listening to inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis, he talks the part of someone who will be an apt learner and communicator in head coach Todd Bowles’ defense in 2023.

For Dennis, being a cerebral player starts with his love of football. Recently, Pewter Report chatted with Ryan Manalac, his linebackers coach at Pitt, who reiterated his innate desire to learn and lead the defense. Dennis himself talked about his love of football and building the knowledge to execute at his first press conference in the facility during mini-camp.

“The love of football is definitely deep within,” Dennis said. “It’s just a game that – not everyone can play. Just being that cerebral to the game is important. Especially when a lot of people say – you’re not big enough, you’re not strong enough, fast enough – I try to show them that it really doesn’t matter.

“It’s about the knowledge of the game, how to attack things, and to execute plays. I take that very seriously and it’s gotten me this far, so why not keep going?”

SirVocea Dennis Has The Football IQ And Instincts To Make Plays

Throughout his college career, SirVocea Dennis put up the numbers and flashed the ability to make plays. Over his last three seasons at Pitt, Dennis recorded 15 sacks, 36 tackles for loss, and interceptions of 50 and 67 yards, the former a pick-six.

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

In a Todd Bowles-led defense, there will be times that he schemes as a blitzer and other times dropping in coverage. He obviously sees both aspects as essential, but there is an added adrenaline rush about getting after and bringing down the opposing quarterback.

“I love blitzing, that’s part of the game, but as an inside linebacker, you also have to cover,” Dennis said. “That’s something you have to work on; that’s something you have to do. I’ve done it, but blitzing gives you another rush, another chance of excitement. I’ve done both, but blitzing is definitely another level.”

As an inside linebacker, these are impressive numbers and Dennis recorded a pick-six just moments into 11-on-11 session during Friday’s practice. On Saturday afternoon, he continued to showcase that his playmaking ability already had already arrived in Tampa Bay.

SirVocea Dennis Eager To Learn From Lavonte David, Devin White

Bucs LBs Devin White and Lavonte David – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

SirVocea Dennis will get an advanced education in Inside Linebacker 101 from Bucs veterans Lavonte David and Devin White. Arguably one of the top duos at the position in the league, David and White make an impact on the field and lead the defense off of it.

Both team captains, each command the attention of the guys in the locker room and take the messages and directives Todd Bowles gives in stride. Dennis can’t wait to be a sponge and begin his lesson plans from them.

“I haven’t had a chance to communicate [with them yet], but trust me, I can’t wait to,” Dennis said. “I just want to pick their brains and see how they operate – not only on the field but off the field. This is a professional league; I’m trying to be a pro on the field and off. I just want to see how those guys maneuver through really everything. They’re great leaders and people to be around, so I just can’t wait to be around them.”

He already has the willingness to learn and the urgency to become comfortable with the complex designs and formations on defense. This means trusting his instincts and trusting his ability when it is time to perform.

“It’s definitely a sense of urgency,” Dennis said. “I think that also comes with life; that’s not just football. People will have that sense of urgency and are very disciplined; they live – I don’t want to say a better life – but they live a more comfortable life, and that’s what I like to be on the field. I like to be comfortable because as soon as you get uncomfortable, you get ancy, you get out of place, out of whack. I try to stay comfortable and understand what’s going on, and I think that helps me with my game.”

All of this suggests that he may have found the best team for him to grow as a player and person. Already possessing the leadership and maturity of a veteran, the origin of his NFL journey will begin as a member of the Bucs, and he is thankful for the team taking a chance on him.

“I think this is the right fit. I’m happy to be here – very blessed, very honored, and definitely humble. I definitely will make the most of my opportunity and have fun doing it.”