NFL Combine: Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey

One player who has created a buzz for himself at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey who met with the media earlier this week.

The NFL Draft Bible | Mar 2, 2023

NFL Combine: Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey /

How's this week been for you?

This week's been great. I met a lot of great people, players and coaches. Everything is going well.

You dealt with injuries at the end of your season. How has your recovery been and how ready do you feel for the combine?

Getting the shoulder right was my main priority. I focused on that. I just got cleared three weeks ago. I'm ready to go.

You've been compared to Aaron Donald a lot. Have you had a chance to meet him and do you model your game after him?

I've definitely watched tape on him. I watch tape on a lot of guys who are around my height and weight. I've watched a few guys of that caliber. But [Donald] is a great guy and a great mentor. I haven't spoken with him recently though.

What do you tell people who think you're too small to play defensive tackle in the NFL?

I play to prove myself right. I don't play to prove anyone else wrong. I just prove myself right.

Have you learned to use your size to your advantage?

I just know I have to play with great technique and use my speed to my advantage. It's my speed and my quickness. Playing with good leverage, getting underneath the thigh pads of bigger offensive linemen, that's my advantage I have against bigger offensive linemen.

Who were some of the other NFL players you like to model your game after?

Grady Jarrett, Javon Hargrave, Quinnen Williams and Aaron Donald. Those types of guys. They paved the way for smaller defensive tackles and showed we could play at the next level. Lots of quickness, speed, technique, block shedding and aggressiveness.

Where's your comfort level in playing different defensive line roles?

I'm more comfortable playing the three-technique but in our defense at Pitt, we ran a 4-3. I played nose and tackle, it doesn't matter to me.

How well did you get to know Damar Hamlin?

Damar Hamlin's a great guy. When I first got to Pitt, he was one of the first guys who took me under their wing. He showed me around Pittsburgh. He's a great mentor and a great brother.

What's Kenny Pickett been like as you've been getting ready?

Kenny [Pickett] is always supporting his Pitt guys. He's a great leader and a great captain. He sent me a text and told me good luck. I appreciate that from Kenny.

How well did you get to know Habakkuk Baldonado?

Haba [Baldonado] is a great guy. When I first got to Pitt, Haba really helped me learn the playbook and show me around. He's a great guy, he teaches me a lot, and I really appreciate him as a teammate and a brother.

Have you had a chance to check out the rise of Pitt basketball?

I've been watching. They've been showing out. I've been turned up watching them. Pitt's doing a great thing. I want to shoutout to Pitt basketball for sticking to it and making it happen.

How has NIL helped college sports?

I think it's for the better. It helps guys in need and college players give back, do things for their community and their city. For the worse, I think some guys get a little comfortable. That's not the main goal. The main goal is to win and get to the next level.

What was your playing weight in college and what do you weigh now?

My playing weight was 275 pounds, and I'm up to 280 pounds. I'm looking good.

What's the main combine event you're going to surprise people with?

I'll surprise everyone with my 40 [yard dash].

Who's your agent and where have you worked out at?

My agent is Brad Cicala, and I've been working out at Frisco Texas Force Academy.

What's your goal time for the 40?

Stay tuned.

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Published Mar 2, 2023

THE NFL DRAFT BIBLE