Ayers Talks Spence
May 26th, 2016
Big time comparison.
The defensive end of the present for the Bucs was dripping sweat after today’s OTA practice, wondering out loud how it could possibly get any hotter, shaking his head at what he has heard from teammates about the blast furnace that is an NFL training camp in Tampa.
But then Ayers started talking about heat of a different sort. And that was quarterback pressure and the highly touted Bucs rookie Noah Spence.
Just after the draft, Bucs AC/DC-loving Bucs general manager Jason Licht — yes, he was watching practice today watching from the sidelines — suggested Spence reminded him of Elvis Dumervil. It was not so much of a physical comparison, but one about production, an assertion that Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith echoed.
Ayers, however, said Spence reminds him of a different edge rusher, one even better than Dumervil. Someone Ayers knows very well, by the way.
“He kind of reminds me, his stature, of what I have watched from him in college and here, he kind of reminds me of Von Miller,” Ayers said. “Von Miller was a 4.4 [40-yard dash] guy though, so he is quicker. But the body language and the body movement, the build, the arm lift, they are real similar.
“So, Von, he’s a lot faster. But the way they move and they way they play, it’s real similar.”
That’s pretty heady company, Dumervil and Miller. If Spence even comes close to those guys, then Licht will have hit another home run in the draft.
Ayers noted Spence is absolutely chomping at the bit to begin hitting quarterbacks.
“He wants to put the pads on now,” Ayers said. “He’s hungry.”
And so are Bucs fans, starving for a defensive end to get within the same zip code of a quarterback on a regular basis.
May 26th, 2016 at 2:10 pm
Raised Expectations – 10+ sacks rookie year, Defensive ROY, why not a few sack, strip, touchdowns for the guy, Matt Ryan, you’re up first…
May 26th, 2016 at 2:12 pm
It’s nice to hear that players are hungry and passionate maybe some of that will bleed over to the ones who have accepted losing so well.
May 26th, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Wait till you hear what Doug Martin said. Joe’s typing that up now.
May 26th, 2016 at 2:20 pm
IS IT AUGUST YET? Can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Feels like we are building a solid foundation.
May 26th, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Just glad we finally have a staff that understands football and players as well as the experts on JBF. It gets lonely out here for some of us that have a clue.
LUVMYBUCS Says:
May 24th, 2016 at 11:31 am
DB55
I see kalial Mack n Vonn Miller when I see Spence. #Spawn
I hear U – He reminds me more of Robert Quinn/Elvis Dumervil
This kid has tremendous get off and bend#beast
May 26th, 2016 at 2:42 pm
I’m looking forward to seeing what Ayers, Spence, Gholston, Jack Smith and HoJo can do from the DE position this year. On paper, that seems to be a pretty talented group. We just need 2 of those guys to stand out and our edge rush problem is solved.
May 26th, 2016 at 3:39 pm
His rip move is amazing already, wants a spin move. Kid could’ve been the steal of this draft
May 26th, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Jags are gonna have some good guys get waived at dt. I hope licht is aware. Jags have maleek Jackson sendarik marks Roy miller Sheldon day Tyson alula. We gotta get one of their cast offs for our depth.
May 26th, 2016 at 3:58 pm
What would be nice for us ol skoolers, is this guy remind us of the late great #63, Lee Roy Selmon, the measurables are comparable even though this is a different era. Wouldn’t it be nice if that guy was walking the halls of OBP, but I am sure there are several reminders.
May 26th, 2016 at 3:58 pm
love it…GO BUCS!!!
May 26th, 2016 at 4:40 pm
Man just get’em Spawn. Anxious to put the pads on. Turn down for what.
May 26th, 2016 at 5:17 pm
“HUngry like the wolf, Hungry like the wolf” I break through the line, I’m on the hunt I am after you, and I am hungry like the wolf” In my best Simon Lebon voice.
May 26th, 2016 at 6:13 pm
That’s what Ive been saying! He reminds me of Miller. His style and motor and quickness. Maybe not the straight line speed on a 40 but he is still fast.
May 27th, 2016 at 8:05 am
Matt Ryan, Brees and Newton will get to know our boy real quick. Allow me to re-Introduce myself, my name is Noah. I’ll be the guy who puts u on your back twice a year. Nice to meet ya.
And If they continue to double team GMC in the middle that leaves 1 on 1’s with Smith and Spence on the outside, so pick your poison!!!
May 28th, 2016 at 1:49 am
Wherever Noah Spence has played, rarely did he not beat the man in front of him with his speed to the edge. He has a strong rip move at the top of his rush when turning the corner. He can move both inside or stay outside when pressuring from the edge. Spence has explosive potential to be a disruptive force on defense who will create non-stop pressure. He plays with a sense of urgency and has a motor like no other. Noah Spence gives consistent effort and plays like a lead dog, looking to eat. Yes, he is hungry, real hungry.