Jason Licht: Ali Marpet “Is Making Gerald Better”
August 8th, 2015
Joe’s written quite a bit over the past two practices about rookie Division-III right guard Ali Marpet. The Buccaneers’ second-round pick has looked capable — sometimes more than capable — running with the first team in full pads.
On WDAE-AM 620 this afternoon, Bucs general manager Jason Licht skyrocketed hopes even more when it comes to Marpet.
Serving as a host on WDAE this afternoon, Joe asked Licht what he’s seeing on film from Marpet over the past two days.
Licht, if he hadn’t already, moved all in on Marpet. No hesitation.
“It gets my blood flowin’ here pretty good,” Licht said. “I’m an ex-offensive lineman. So I like paying attention to the offensive line. He’s got a really, really rare combination of athleticism and power. He plays much bigger than his actual weight. He plays like a big 315-pound guy when he’s really in the low 300s. And he’s picked it up quicker than, I mean we didn’t think it would come along as quick as it did. He’s exceeded. We knew he was a smart guy, but we thought it was going to be more gradual than it was.
“He has a lot of work to do yet. He’s got a rare, natural instinct for the position. Going against Gerald we thought, ‘Ok, this is going to make him better,’ which it is. But he’s also making Gerald better. Because Gerald has to go against a powerful, athletic guy like this every day. It’s making Gerald better.”
Wow! Those are some strong words from the GM. Bucs fans should be filled with hope right now. It’s going to be damn fun to see Marpet square off against the Vikings in seven short days.
August 8th, 2015 at 5:40 pm
Marpet is going to BE a star
Perhaps my next jersey purchase will be an Ali “Rudy” Marpet jersey.
August 8th, 2015 at 5:41 pm
it is going to be fun to see GMC getting some QB pressure, too! Siege the day!
August 8th, 2015 at 5:48 pm
Agreed, might have to get the Marpet jersey! NFL Network gave him the spotlight for a reason.
August 8th, 2015 at 6:07 pm
Got to say I love that pic of Ali
August 8th, 2015 at 6:19 pm
I did like the nickname “mongo” whoever that was that threw it out there.
August 8th, 2015 at 6:26 pm
I like that Buc1987 Ali “Rudy” Marpet – might join you in getting that jersey!
August 8th, 2015 at 6:50 pm
Dudes got an iron fist for a chin. LOVE IT!!!
August 8th, 2015 at 8:00 pm
I came up with the nickname “MONGO” for Marpet….
Seems fitting…
I was reminded by someone here that Alex Karras, who played the iconic character, Mongo, in Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles”, was also one hell of a OL for the Detroit Lions back in the day.
August 8th, 2015 at 8:21 pm
Agree with 87. Kid will turn into a star. Start him day 1 and let him learn.
August 8th, 2015 at 8:33 pm
Love it! Stay healthy Ali and you can be great!
August 8th, 2015 at 8:41 pm
It’s the Marpet show!
August 8th, 2015 at 8:51 pm
Alex Karris played DT for Detriot. Marpet is Great!
August 8th, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Mo Downs and Realist!! I like MONGO as well.
August 8th, 2015 at 10:52 pm
MONGO MONGO MONGO!!! The Pewter Chin. That video of him standing GMC straight up like was paralyzed was awsome, and that was his 1st day of practice
August 8th, 2015 at 11:32 pm
Duke just has a quiet star quality about himself. That 30reps,30in vert and 30 on the wonderlic doesn’t hurt either. Not to mention fastest 40time. We have something with this guy. The Pats and Hawks were about to pounce but Licht bust-a-move. I think we’ll all be pleased he did so.
August 9th, 2015 at 12:05 am
Let’s hope he keeps it up when it really matters. He has a ton of potential. He def is putting in the work. So hopefully he gets the reward. For his sake and ours.
August 9th, 2015 at 12:34 am
Call me 2-14, 30-70 jaded, but I don’t believe a damn thing that comes out of Light’s or Lovie’ s mouth anymore. I have a bad feeling that this team is looking a whole lot like last year’s team. Remember how everyone thought our offense was looking so good against our defense in camp? Then game time came around and we found out our line couldn’t block for shit and our defense was really offensive? Yeah, until they prove me wrong (and I truly hope they do), I’ll just keep my fingers crossed, hope for the best and expect the worst.
August 9th, 2015 at 12:34 am
I loved the pick from day 1. I could give 2 spits where he went to college, the kid has natural talent and a great work ethic. Hes going to be a great addition to the o line.
August 9th, 2015 at 7:58 am
Mongo. And Alex was much brighter than people expected. Fitting on many fronts.
August 9th, 2015 at 8:21 am
I didn’t have a lot of faith in Marpet when we drafted him. Looks like I was wrong and I’m glad I that I am.
August 9th, 2015 at 8:41 am
Still like “Hebrew Hammer”! Thought that was perfect!
Dont remember who first Posted it – but I like it
August 9th, 2015 at 8:44 am
Welp we have to put up a fan poll about what his nickname should be then.
August 9th, 2015 at 9:07 am
Candygramformongo.com was a band featuring two Hobart grads so I like the nickname too
August 9th, 2015 at 11:49 am
Ahhh…..nice to see so much love for him now. I remember many of the doubters posts after we drafted him….like 90% of the posts were negative! I knew what I saw and just got that vibe that he’s going to be a star, may as well be a star for us. I should post the video of me watching the draft live. I was hitting on quite a few players, even on Collins when I saw the Giants trade up ahead of us, they were scared we would take him, and I wouldnt have minded that. I called Smith’s name with 3 others right before picking him, but then when we traded back into the 2nd, you could hear me literally begging and banging my fist on the couch, “please be Marpet” over and over over, then his name was announced and I freaked the F out!
Im telling you, as long as he doesnt go down with an (not even going to say it), he’ll be a pro bowl caliber player!
August 9th, 2015 at 12:21 pm
Brother Ali is skrong
August 10th, 2015 at 12:16 pm
Mongo Mongo Mongo!!!
August 10th, 2015 at 4:51 pm
Great to hear. If he is that good, and that intelligent move him to C
August 14th, 2015 at 12:39 pm
That’s great news! Hopefully he can contribute this year. Hopefully Donovan smith can play this year to.