MOBILE, Al. (PTTP) – SirVocea Dennis did not take the traditional path to become an NFL Draft prospect, but the former Pitt linebacker is hoping that path can take him to new heights in the process.
After four years at Pitt, Dennis became the leader of the Panthers linebacker corps, taking his talents to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, to compete against some of the best the country has to offer. Most players have to adjust to NFL personnel watching them for the first time, but Dennis has some experience with that already.
“Here, it’s like all eyes are on you, it’s about what you do,” Dennis said. “But at Pitt, it’s the same way. You’re right next door to an NFL team, so it’s the same thing here. All eyes are on you, and you better represent yourself well, even Coach Tomlin is watching.”
Dennis will meet with all 32 NFL teams in attendance. However, live periods with pads on pepper the schedule in Mobile, so teams get to see the players play some actual football. Not to mention, the players participate in a game on Saturday on the University of South Alabama’s campus.
After losing many of his coverage reps in one-on-ones badly, Dennis played in perfectly on his last rep, dashing an interception in the flat for a pick-six. The coaches told him that his eye discipline would have to improve throughout the week, but his experience at Pitt is one he hopes can help him while developing relationships with teams throughout the week.
“Not everyone thinks that our defense is about to be run and translated into the NFL,” Dennis said. “I want to show that I can adapt and get into a new defense and do anything I want. I’m versatile.”
Dennis has an NFL Combine invite waiting for him, having him travel to Indianapolis in March where athletic testing takes place. Then, Dennis will return to Pittsburgh for Pitt’s Pro Day for the final step in the process before draft day. If Dennis has it his way, he might only have to travel across the hallway.
