The best Bucs linebackers of all time had something in common – high football IQ
Derrick Brooks, Lavonte David, Hardy Nickerson and Shelton Qualls all saw the play unfolding in their heads before the ball was snapped. Tampa Bay saw the same mental traits in Pitt middle linebacker Sarvosia Dennis and drafted him in the fifth round last year because of that and his playmaking ability.
Devin White, in his fifth year as a starter at middle linebacker in Todd Bowles’ defense, had more athleticism than instinct or intelligence. He did not re-sign and is now in Philadelphia, leaving a void in the center of Tampa Bay’s defense.
KJ Britt, who is entering his fourth season under contract, is expected to be a candidate to replace White, but he will receive competition from Dennis as well as JJ Russell on the practice squad this offseason. Dennis spent most of his rookie season on special teams, recording six tackles, filling in for the injured David in the fourth quarter against San Francisco at the end of the year, and making his first NFL start the following week against Indianapolis.
The former Pitt star played defense in his first NFL appearance, but didn’t really play much. He finished his first season in Tampa Bay with 13 tackles on defense and one pass breakup. Dennis gave an honest assessment of his own play in an interview with Pewter Report in late January.
“It was great, but it could have been better,” Dennis said. “I just had to get my feet wet. I hope to perform better next time.”
Dennis had a chance to start against Carolina in Week 13, but was unlucky as he fell ill with flu-like symptoms and was unable to practice or play that week. But after playing against the Colts the previous week, watching the Panthers’ game from the sideline helped Dennis see the game in perspective.
Bucks HC Todd Bowles, ILB Servosia Dennis, ILB Devin White – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
When Dennis, nicknamed “Vos,” wasn’t on the field, he was in the film room studying the Mike and Money linebacker positions. As you know, Dennis is a movie buff. He’s the same guy Todd Bowles likes in his linebackers.
“I watched Labonte all the time in college,” Dennis said. “It made sense, Fred. [Warner] Of course, Bobby [Wagner], who have a different sense of wonder about this game.I also studied Roquan. [Smith]. He understands the game too.
“The other guy is a young guy in Zaire Franklin who went to Syracuse. He’s with the Colts. He was the top tackler in the NFL at one point. They just know the game inside and out. “It takes playing time and experience, but you also have to know your defense.”
The Bucs have a very good video library of their own linebackers that young players like Dennis can watch.
“So when we came here last year, they showed us everyone’s movies: Lavonte David’s new movie, Q (Shelton Quarles)’s movie, and Derrick Brooks’ movie,” Dennis said. said.
Bucs inside linebackers coach Larry Foote is a former NFL linebacker himself and has been a great source of learning for Dennis. Dennis has also been on the practice field with David and picked the brains of Qualls, Tampa Bay’s director of football operations, in the cafeteria.
Bucks ILB Servosia Dennis – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
“Q is an old veteran, so it’s mostly like, ‘Save your money and protect your heart,’ so from that perspective, that’s what it is,” Dennis said. “So in this building we have Q, Coach Footy and Labonte to learn from. To me he has three levels of linebacker and just picks everything he can from each level.”
Tampa Bay had several linebackers in the top 30 before the draft, including Texas A&M’s Edgerrin Cooper, Clemson’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Kentucky’s Trevin Wallace. Bucks general manager Jason Richt didn’t rule out drafting White’s successor this year, but he also believes in Dennis’ ability to develop into a future starter.
“Last year we adopted Voss and we really like it,” Licht said. “We think Voss has a really bright future, so we’ve taken some steps to help make that happen. [need] In the future, yes, but to be honest, I hope Labonte can play seven more years.”
Servosia Dennis is a perfect fit in Todd Bowles’ defense.
Sir Vosia Dennis He made an immediate impact during Tampa Bay’s rookie minicamp last year, recording a pick-six just minutes into his first NFL practice. He did it two more times during OTAs with veterans and had a pick-six again during training camp.
Bucks LB Servosia Dennis – Photo courtesy of USA Today
These were some of the great plays by a linebacker who was drafted more for his uncanny ability than his coverage ability.as 3 year starter at Pitt, Dennis recorded 36 tackles and 15 sacks, including seven as a senior.
However, Dennis has had two picks in his college career, including one during his junior year. The former Pitt Panthers star loves Todd Bowles’ scheme and the important role his linebackers play in it.
“This defense gives me a chance to be more of a linebacker,” Dennis said. “The system I was in at Pitt held me back and kept me in a certain box. Now I have a chance to show off my other abilities. He lets me blitz, he lets me play against one-on-ones at the back. You can have him cover at 1, or you can have him play one-on-one with the tight end.
“It’s fun. You do a lot of different things in this defense. You do everything you want to do as a traditional, normal linebacker, and you play it fast. That’s what he loves from a linebacker. , which means playing fast and smart.”
Dennis blamed rookie nerves for a lackluster performance in the preseason opener against Pittsburgh, and a hamstring injury suffered in that game halted Dennis’ momentum in August. His injury caused him to miss the final two preseason games in which he was supposed to play many meaningful snaps.
When healthy enough, Dennis was demoted to special teams, with Devin White and Lavonte David filling the starting linebacker position.
Bucks ILB Servosia Dennis – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
“They’re both two different linebackers, but there are some similarities,” Dennis said. “I tried to take some things from them, but at the same time I tried to keep my game up. Devin is a great blitzer. He’s a mess with his wheels and he runs with his hair on fire. Fly around and create drama.
“Labonte is the same, but he’s also a cover man. He likes to cover quarterbacks and play psychological games. I try to implement things from their games into my game. But at the same time I maintain my identity. I’ve learned both Mike and Mo’s positions, and I can say I’ve spent an equal amount of time in both positions.
Kaliyah Kansi, a defensive tackle for the Bucs and the team’s first-round pick last year, played with Dennis for three years at Pitt. He witnessed Dennis’ growth firsthand during his rookie year.
“He’s made a lot of improvements,” Kancey said. “can [get] some snaps [on defense] He helps us not only in the second half of the season, but also on special teams. I think he will be a great addition to the defense this year.
“He’s smart, he’s relentless. He wants to go out there and make plays. He wants to win the national team. He wants to win.”
Servosia Denis plans to take on the role of Bucks ILB for the first time
Bucks ILB Servosia Dennis – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
With Devin White gone, Sarvosia Dennis has a chance to emerge as the starter if he can beat out KJ Britt. Even if it doesn’t happen this year, it could happen in 2025 as Britt and David become free agents and the linebacker spots for Mike and Mo could become vacant.
“It was the same thing when I was a freshman in college. [redshirted] Then I played the field as a starter for three years,” Dennis said. “It definitely prepared me for my rookie year. Just be ready and know you’re just one play away. It’s just a matter of taking what you can from the guys before you. Just stay focused and stay home and be ready when my number is called.”
After spending a year learning the intricacies of Bowles’ defense, Dennis could very well pick up where he left off with some splash plays in OTAs last year. If Dennis can stay healthy and build some momentum into training camp, Dennis could give the Brit some serious competition for the right to replace White and line up next to David.
“It’s definitely a chess game before the play even starts, which is cool. That’s enough for a brainiac like me,” Dennis said. “It’s a game of chess for us, but for our opponents we’re trying to understand in a different language. It’s fun to play this defense. It’s great, but it’s tough. We’re always on our toes. But the next time my number is called, I’ll be ready.”
