Kenny Willekes Explained

Kenny Willekes
Current Team:Michigan Panthers
Number:48
Position:Defensive end
Birth Date:22 July 1997
Birth Place:Rockford, Michigan, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lb:264
High School:NorthPointe Christian
(Grand Rapids, Michigan)
College:Michigan State (2015–2019)
Draftyear:2020
Draftround:7
Draftpick:225
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Highlights:
Statleague:NFL
Statlabel1:Total tackles
Statvalue1:16
Statlabel2:Sacks
Statvalue2:2.5
Statlabel3:Pass deflections
Statvalue3:1
Statlabel4:Interceptions
Statlabel5:Forced fumbles
Statlabel6:Fumble recoveries
Statlabel7:Defensive touchdowns
Pfr:W/WillKe06

Kenny Willekes (born July 22, 1997) is an American football defensive end for the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Michigan State, and was three times named to the All-Big Ten team. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL draft.

Early years

Willekes attended NorthPointe Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He played linebacker and running back in high school. He had 423 tackles during his high school football career.[1]

College career

Willekes joined Michigan State University as a walk-on in 2015.[2] [3] He redshirted his first year and played in one game in 2016.[4] In 2017, Willekes became a starter, starting 12 of 13 games. He finished the season with 72 tackles and seven sacks.[5] In 2018, he was named the Big Ten Conference Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year after recording 78 tackles and 8.5 sacks.[6] [7] Willekes returned to Michigan State his senior year in 2019 rather than enter the 2019 NFL draft.[8] [9] During the season he broke Julian Peterson's school record for career tackles for loss.[10] He was named the 2019 recipient of the Burlsworth Trophy on December 9, 2019, in Springdale, Arkansas, during a reception hosted by the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in conjunction with the Springdale Rotary Club at the Springdale Convention Center.[11]

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings

Willekes was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 225th pick in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft.[12] He was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2020.[13]

On August 31, 2021, Willekes was waived by the Vikings and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[14] [15] He was promoted to the active roster on January 8, 2022.[16]

On June 2, 2022, Willekes was waived/injured by the Vikings and placed on injured reserve.[17]

On May 23, 2023, Willekes was released.[18]

Michigan Panthers

On December 8, 2023, Willekes signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL).[19]

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tireless work ethic pays off for MSU's Kenny Willekes . Charboneau . Matt . Detroit News.
  2. Web site: Seems like old times: How a former walk-on is sparking the Spartans' revival . November 9, 2017 . ESPN.com.
  3. Web site: How Michigan State DE Kenny Willekes went from walk-on to NFL prospect . Solari . Chris . Detroit Free Press.
  4. Web site: Once doubted as walk-on, Michigan State DE Kenny Willekes validated as potential starter . August 9, 2017 . mlive.
  5. Web site: Kenny Willekes - It's No Wonder That He Drives Team Chemistry . July 29, 2018.
  6. Web site: Michigan State's Kenny Willekes: Big Ten defensive lineman of the year . Solari . Chris . Detroit Free Press.
  7. Web site: Former walk-on Kenny Willekes emerges as Michigan State's terror in trenches . Charboneau . Matt . Detroit News.
  8. Web site: To understand Kenny Willekes' rise at MSU, start with his broken leg . Solari . Chris . Detroit Free Press.
  9. Web site: Kenny Willekes returning to Michigan State football for his senior season . Solari . Chris . Detroit Free Press.
  10. Web site: Kenny Willekes breaks Michigan State's tackle for loss record vs. Maryland . December 1, 2019 . mlive.
  11. Web site: Kenny Willekes Wins Burlsworth Trophy . December 9, 2019 . December 12, 2019.
  12. News: Wenzel . Matt . April 25, 2020 . 2020 NFL draft: Michigan State DE Kenny Willekes picked by Vikings in seventh round . MLive.com . May 1, 2020.
  13. News: Willekes Placed on Reserve/Injured; Roster Moves . Vikings.com . September 2, 2020 . September 3, 2020.
  14. Web site: Vikings Announce Roster Moves to Get to Initial 53. Vikings.com. August 31, 2021.
  15. Web site: Vikings Claim TE Ben Ellefson & Sign 14 to Practice Squad. Peters, Craig. Vikings.com. September 1, 2021.
  16. Web site: Vikings Activate Christian Darrisaw & Ezra Cleveland, Make Multiple Roster Moves. Vikings.com. January 8, 2022.
  17. Web site: Vikings Add Jonathan Bullard to Roster. Vikings.com. June 2, 2022.
  18. Web site: Ireland . Tyler . May 23, 2023 . Vikings sign XFL WR Lucky Jackson, waive OLB Kenny Willekes . May 24, 2023 . Daily Norseman . en.
  19. Web site: Larsen . James . December 8, 2023 . Michigan Panthers Sign RB Nate McCrary & Edge Kenny Willekes . December 9, 2023 . Pro Football Newsroom . en-US.