Kenny Willekes

Defensive End / Michigan State

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about this Senior Bowl experience.

Kenny Willekes:  It’s a great experience.  Not only do I have the chance to go up against the best of the best, but I get to work with NFL coaches.  We are learning daily.  Picking up on new techniques and the little things that we can add to our game.  The Lions coaches are working with us and showing me how to work from the two-point stance and coming off the edge.  They have helped me a lot this week.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Michigan State?

Kenny Willekes:  I had a couple of GLIAC offers, which is Division II.  I came in there as a walk-on.  Michigan State speaks to my moral values.  Hard work and toughness.  I felt like I was a good fit for the Spartans. 

Alex Khvatov:  What did you learn from the coaching staff at Michigan State?

Kenny Willekes:  I have the utmost respect for coach Dantonio.  He took me in and molded me into a grown man.  I appreciate him for that.  He helped me grow on the field and gave me life lessons off the field. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths on the field?

Kenny Willekes:  Effort, leadership, tenacity and toughness.  I am a high motor guy.  I will bring the energy and work hard each and every day.  I will help and motivate my teammates to do the same. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Kenny Willekes:  I am working on standing in a two-point stance and working on coverage skills if a 3-4 team will need me to play OLB. 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training?

Kenny Willekes:  I am training back at home at Power Strength Systems in Michigan.               

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Kenny Willekes:  Being in the locker room with my brothers every day.  Those are my best friends.  

Alex Khvatov:  What was it like breaking the all-time TFL’s record at Michigan State this past year?

Kenny Willekes:  It was a pretty cool experience.  It was an honor.  I worked towards that at the end of the year.  It speaks volumes to the coaches, my family and my teammates who have built me up throughout the years. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who has been the toughest OL to go up against in practice during the Senior Bowl week?

Kenny Willekes:  Charlie Heck from North Carolina.  His arms are so long.