Kamerion Wimbley is excited.
For the first time since he was in college at Florida State back in 2005, he is going to get to do what he loves to do most on a football field – rush the passer with his hand in the ground.
Wimbley, who had 11 sacks as a rookie outside linebacker for the Cleveland Browns and has 42 career sacks, has operated mostly as a linebacker in 3-4 systems.
But by signing with the Tennessee Titans, Wimbley will get his chance to be a full-time defensive end.
“It’s something I’ve been wanting to get back to since I left Florida State,” Wimbley said. “I enjoyed playing linebacker, but I enjoy rushing the passer more. I think it’s something that’ll definitely be fun this year and something I’m looking forward to.”
Many players who make that shift from linebacker to end, often look out of place on the defensive line – either too short or too thin to be effective at end. But at 6-4, 255 pounds with a strong upper body-type frame, Wimbley definitely looks the part starting at right defensive end for Tennessee.
Right now, Wimbley has been busy learning his new teammates and the Titans system as well as he his new position.
“It’s been great. It’s been fun,” Wimbley said. “We’ve just been out there flying around and going through the plays that we’ve installed and getting familiar with the coaches and how we’re supposed to do things. And it’s been great so far.”
One of the coaches Wimbley has been familiarizing himself with pass rush specialist Keith Millard, who like Wimbley, joined the Titans this year to help beef up an anemic pass rush that produced just 28 sacks a year ago. Wimbley likes Millard’s personality and influence thus far.
“Keith is a great person to have around. He’s very knowledgeable and very energetic. He’s come in here and is helping all the guys improve and the improvement so far has been excellent. I hope we can just continue making improvements and everything will be fine,” he said.
- Terry McCormick
- co-publiser of TitanInsider - Lions247