Athletic Profile
Height: 6010
Weight: 281
Arm Length: 30 5/8”
40 Time: 4.67
10 Yard Split: 1.58
Vertical: 33 1/2”*
Broad Jump: 904*
3-Cone: 7.00*
Shuttle: 4.36*
Relative Athletic Score: 9.59
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022: 47 PR - 8 SK - 19 TKL (20.7 MSI%) - 21 STOP
2021: 38 PR - 9 SK - 22 TKL (18.2 MIS%) - 26 STOP
Alignment Count
AGP: 311
BGP: 1,040
OVT: 14
OUT: 52
Pros
Elite First Step Quickness
Tremendous Athletic Profile
Disruptive Pass Rusher
Quick and Violent Hands
Cons
Historically Small For An IDL
Scheme Specific To A Penetration Style Defense
Lacks Power @ POA
Summary
Calijah Kancey committed to Pittsburgh as one of the top defensive tackles in the state of Florida. He went on to have an illustrious career for the Panthers totaling 19 sacks in two and half years. The two time All-ACC selection lit up the combine in February, by testing as the most athletic defensive tackle since Pitt alum Aaron Donald. On the flip side he also measured in as a historically small player in terms of height and length for the position.
Kancey is an undersized, single gap style defensive tackle. He is at his best in the run game when allowed to be an aggressive penetrator. He wins in the run game with elite quickness and leverage at the snap. Kancey uses quick violent hands and tremendous speed to make splash plays in the backfield. He shows the flexibility to turn his shoulders and reduce his frame at the line of scrimmage. When Kancey is unable to get an edge in the run game his lack of length is a major problem. Larger and bigger lineman are able to contain him and take advantage of his weak anchor. Kancey struggles to hold up to power at the point of attack making him unplayable in two gap schemes. He also has a poor tendency to dip his head at contact in the run game and can fall victim to traps and misdirection.
Kancey will make his money at the professional level with his pass rush ability. His elite quickness and natural leverage allows him to catch lineman off guard at the snap. He uses quick punches to disarm guards in pass protection. Kancey possesses top flight lateral agility that enables him to move multiple gaps over on his rushes, making him a terror on stunts. His flexibility at the top of his rushes and finishing speed leads to a strong sack conversion rate on his pressures. Kancey struggles as a pass rusher when he fails to win off the snap. If lineman are able to negate his initial rush his lack of size or length becomes an issue. Larger lineman are able to contain him with their length and he does not possess the tools or moves to counter. Longer lineman are able to ride Kancey wide up the field even when he wins with first step quickness due to his below average strength.
Kancey possesses one of the most unique profiles in this year's class. His blend of quick and movement skills make him an impact splash player on the defensive line. However his long term success is dependent on him being an extreme historical outlier. Kancey is scheme specific and will struggle to make an impact on run downs. He projects as a rotational early down defender that makes his money as a sub package pass rusher.
Grade: 6.38 - Mid to Late Second Round Grade (Potential Starter)
Games Watched: North Carolina (2021), Tennessee (2022), West Virginia (2022)
Pro Comp: Ed Oliver