The start of the Bucks’ rookie minicamp meant many of Tampa Bay’s 2023 draft class got their first look at the team’s facilities.it never happened Defense Tackle Kariya Kansi, had already held a press conference after the first day of the draft. Kansi, the team’s No. 1 pick and No. 19 overall pick, comes with a lot of intrigue.
Cansi won numerous accolades during his college days playing in Pittsburgh, including ACC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American Player of the Year. Speaking to the media before the start of his first NFL practice on Friday, it was clear his attitude and mindset were as much responsible for his success as his quick feet and explosiveness.
Kariya Kansi has big plans with the Bucks
Bucks Head Coach Todd Bowles, DT Kariya Kansi and GM Jason Licht – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Kariya Kansi has identified three goals that she personally focused on during her rookie year at Tampa Bay. His mature speech showed why he could be the future leader of the Todd Bowles defense.
“Right now, my focus is on three things: learning, working, and doing,” said Cansi. “I want to know everyone’s names. I want to learn the playbook. I’m going to learn janitor, chef and everything else.
“And I want to engage with my teammates, coaches, everyone, talk to people, get to know them. I can go do it, and when the coach gives me that assignment, I can go make that play. [Those are] Three things I’m focusing on right now. ”
Kariya Kansi vs. The Weather
Kariya Kansi actually mentioned another goal of his own, which is Florida’s hot, humid tropical weather that must be dealt with by any rookie drafted to Tampa Bay. Kansi grew up in the Miami area, so she’s used to playing in the Florida climate. But he played college football in cold weather all three seasons in Pittsburgh. The 6-foot-1, 286-pound defensive tackle may need a reacclimation period.
“My goal is to stay hydrated,” said Cansi. “To survive in the humidity here, I try to stay hydrated and eat well. It’s just a reminder of what the heat is like, you definitely have to stay hydrated.”
Todd Bowles discusses Kariya Kansi’s role in Bucks defense
Bucks HC Todd Bowles and DT Kariya Kansi – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
After practice, Bucks head coach Todd Bowles took the podium to discuss what to expect from the latest defensive tackle.With a talented assault group The Bucks start the season with I hope Kanxi can adapt to her role sooner rather than later.
“We just want him to play defensive tackle,” Bowles said. “That’s what we got him for. He’s not a stunner, he’s not that guy, he’s not that guy. He can actually play football. He can play that position without hindering his development. As we get to know him and get a sense of what he’s good at, what he’s not good at, left side, right side, what type of things, based on the parts around him, we try and , is going to use or accordingly he too.
“Right now he is focused on learning the position. We are not interested in game planning or diagrams right now. He is a very bright person.”
