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The wrap and roll technique taught in rugby is something Willekes still reverts to as he strives to not only pressure the quarterback but also pose as a recognised run-stuffer, much like the defensive stars he takes notes from.
“I think I got that from rugby, just the Hawk Roll,” he said. “Not as many big hits obviously but I get the runner to the ground more times than not. Definitely I think I learned that playing rugby.
“I’ve been a huge fan of DeMarcus Ware growing up, I’m a huge fan of Von Miller. I love Chandler Jones, especially the way he can take away the football, his football arsenal. Frank Clark, Khalil Mack, I love the way they play as well, physical players and the way they play three downs.
Willekes, who played at linebacker and running back in high school, was named 2018 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year after leading the conference with 20.5 tackles for loss and producing 8.5 sacks. His 78 tackles also ranked first among all defensive lineman in the nation as he was named to the All-Big Ten First Team.
He might well have declared for the 2019 NFL Draft had it not been for the broken fibula suffered in the 2018 Redbox Bowl against Oregon.
“It’s never easy to come back from an injury,” Willekes admitted.
“It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of rehab. I think I learned a lot about perseverance, it taught me things about being a leader and helped me mature a lot as a man over this past year dealing with the ankle injury.
“I think it’s prepared me for anything I’m going to face at the next level.”
Having recovered from his injury in time for his senior year, Willekes went on to earn All-American honours and win Michigan State’s MVP award for the second successive season.
A late addition to the 2020 Senior Bowl, he left his mark in January’s college all-star game with two sacks in front of NFL coaches and scouts.
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“It was a great opportunity, a special thanks to Jim Nagy and the whole Senior Bowl for giving me the opportunity to come out there and compete,” he said.
“You don’t only compete against the best but learn from some of the best, I like to pick people’s brains, I like to talk to other players and see what moves they like to use.”
He underlined that versatility at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, taking part in both defensive lineman and outside linebacker drills as he ranked in the top 10 for all performance tests among edge players.
“The combine was another opportunity to not only showcase myself but also workout with some of the best. They talk about how stressful a week it’s going to be and how it sucks but I had a lot of fun.
“A lot of us did defensive line drills, a lot of us competed at linebacker and I think that was good for teams to see me move around as a linebacker a little bit.”
“Obviously it’s a little different because usually it’s going to be in person, I like talking to people in person, I’m a people person,” he added.
“Like anything in life you click with certain people and you like how a meeting with a coach went. So far I’ve had all positive interviews and good results both ways. I’ve liked the coaches I’ve talked to and I think they’ve liked me as well.”
Among those to have been in contact with Willekes are the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers.
The latter loom as an enticing landing spot for any upcoming defensive star after ranking first against the pass on their way to Super Bowl LIV last season.
“It’s definitely exciting, I love the way they play,” admitted Willekes.
“Just that non-stop getting after the ball, non-stop attacking defense. They’ve got great players on there, a great d-line.
“I watched their d-line this year and I just loved the energy, the passion, the way they get after the football, the way they get after offenses. It would be sweet to play for the 49ers.”
It won’t quite be the draft party Willekes had imagined, but the virtual format will take nothing away from a landmark moment in his career.
“I’m definitely excited to see where I go and where I end up,” he said. “I’d obviously like to get drafted as high as possible but it doesn’t really matter.
“Wherever I go I’m about to go to work and prove myself.
“It speaks to hard work, perseverance, surrounding myself with people doing things the right way and I think if you can do that you can accomplish a lot.”
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Sourse: skysports.com
