Christian Wilkins is a stud on the field. It’s been known since his earliest days with the Clemson Tigers and the odds are quite strong Wilkins will prove to be a stud in the pros as well. But as a rookie in 2019, Wilkins will be dealing with more than just offensive guards and opposing quarterbacks. It’s the side of life as a rookie in the NFL that is always overlooked.
This life is hard. Wilkins was asked yesterday after the team’s mandatory workout if he was personally settled in to South Florida.
“I’m still figuring everything out as I go a little bit. Trying to learn the area and really get to know my teammates. That’s the biggest thing,” said Wilkins.
Remember — the recruiting process leaves the power in the hands of the players. They’re free to pick any school that would have them. In the NFL, it’s the other way around — and there’s a big adjustment curve that comes with that. Wilkins spoke about how he’s been hoping to pick the brain of fellow former 1st-round pick Charles Harris. Not necessarily just for locker room affairs, either.
“(Harris) is a guy that I look to for a lot of different things. Just little things like where is a good place to live or who’s the best chef around so I can get good, quality meals. Just little things like that, he’s always there for me and always helping me with.”
The sooner Wilkins feels settled in, the sooner we’ll see his best form on the football field. It’s no wonder so many rookies — even the successful ones — talk about how different life is in their second season.
