Linebacker SirVocea Dennis is one of the key players on the Pitt roster that has yet to announce whether or not he’ll return in 2023.
The answer to that question may have been answered today.
Jim Nagy and officials at the Senior Bowl announced Thursday morning that Dennis has accepted their invite to play in the game.
Dennis can always change his mind and not play but playing would end his career with the Panthers.
Up until this point, Dennis has stated that he was undecided and weighing the option of possibly returning to lead the Pitt defense.
The 2022 team captain led Pitt with 74 tackles (31 solo) this season, along with 9.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three pass breakups and forced a fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, Dennis is the fourth highest-graded linebacker in college football this season.
Dennis recorded 29 pressures this season, an even more impressive feat as an inside linebacker, which is fifth-best among all linebackers in the country. And he’s missed just four tackles this season, with a low 6.0% missed tackle rate, on the way to 40 run stops. Even his play in coverage has grown this season.
In his career at Pitt, Dennis has racked up 212 tackles (108 solo), 33.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, an interception returned for a touchdown, three pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Congratulations, moving on to your life’s work.
He is great one, no doubt!
His interception against Clemson on the shovel pass is memorable.
He was close to getting Drake Maye on that late 4th down scramble. Had he done so maybe that is the picture used instead of the UNC QB Sam Howell one.
Very good player and will be really missed. Great opportunity for him. Definitely need some Linebackers with experience now. Hopefully we also hammer the transfer portal for help.
A huge loss for Pitt football 2023. Wishing him a bright future though.
This is good news for Pitt. Opens opportunities for youngsters and tells the nation and Pitt can develop a 2-star (later upgraded to a 3-star) into a NFL draftee.