Mack Wilson was a Sione Takitaki fan even before the two became teammates in Cleveland. The rookie LBs got to know each other a little at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
It was there when Wilson — a lightweight, speedy, coverage-oriented backer — took an admiration for the thickly built, downhill attacker that is Takitaki.
Wilson talked about his first impression of his future teammate after Monday’s practice in Berea.
“When I first saw Taki, it was at the combine,” Wilson said. “I didn’t know who he was. My first impression of him was this guy’s got a lot of energy. He was picking up guys, motivating guys.”
Now they are roommates in their first NFL training camp. Wilson enjoys the camaraderie and friendly competition. He does have one minor complaint about Takitaki, however.
Takitaki is intense – even in his sleep.
“It can be like (midnight) and I’d be trying to go ahead and get me some rest,” Wilson said with a broad smile. “He’ll be in there hollering out the plays to himself and going over everything.”
It’s a sharp contrast from the easy-going, soft-spoken Wilson, with his slight southern lilt. He enjoys “going back to the hotel, studying our film together” and the two have set a goal.
“We came in together and one day we want to be on the field at the same time playing together.”
Through the first few days of training camp, the pair is proving that goal can become a reality. They complement one another nicely with their divergent skills on the field, and both Wilson and Takitaki have shown they can make plays in their own ways.
