Tampa Bay’s young OLB is looking sharp so far in camp.
Tampa broke a record on the thermostat Sunday for breaking 100-degrees. I know, it’s hard to believe since it feels like that’s the case every summer but that is how tricky it is with the humidity making it feel as it is.
The heat though hasn’t stopped the Bucs at training camp nor has it prevented outside linebacker Yaya Diaby from putting in work. The 26-year-old had a stellar rookie year, recording 7.5 sacks just two seasons ago. However, there was a drop in statistical production in that category only recording 4.5 sacks last season.
Although the numbers didn’t look as impressive from the sack category, head coach Todd Bowles has liked what he has seen out of his young pass rusher this summer, noting that he looks much better getting off the snap.
“He’s been professional dating back to the spring. Everything he’s done has been with intention,” Bowles said, “I like the way he’s getting off the ball right now – he’s really using his hands a lot more and a lot better. If he keeps that up, he should have a hell of a year.”
Bowles isn’t the only one noticing a difference. The guys lining up across from him are also liking what they see.
Center Graham Barton was asked about what he has seen out of the defensive front so far in camp. When mentioning names, Barton was sure to include Diaby in the conversation.
“Calijah [Kancey] has been a stud, obviously you guys know Vita [Vea] very well, he is obviously a stud. I think Calijah just from last year to this year has been very effective. It has been awesome to watch him grow. I think Haason Reddick has been awesome, he is super twitchy and explosive off the edge. Yaya [Diaby] has continued to improve, Yaya looks great. All of our guys out there have improved, and they are working hard. We are getting after it out there, and we are just trying to make each other better.”
Tampa Bay’s defensive front may benefit from the veteran leadership of Reddick — who has had double digit sacks in four of the last five seasons. Diaby noted that he has been learning and taking guidance from the veteran pass rusher to better his craft.
Diaby’s commitment to a better season is certainly on display at camp this year. The fact that Bowles and other are talking about what they’ve seen out of Diaby so far is definitely encouraging and promising for the Buccaneers.