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Kiwanuka Taking It All In
Mathias Kiwanuka knows what it takes to be a successful Linebacker.
By Keith Karlsson, Giants.com

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July 16, 2007

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -At this time last year 1st round pick Mathias Kiwanuka was leaving his Boston College career behind him to start a new one on the biggest stage of them all, the National Football League. Not only was he about to start playing against some of the best athletes in the world, he was about to do so as a member of the New York Football Giants. One could only imagine what was going through his mind as he made such an enormous transition. However, Kiwanuka stepped in and stepped up without missing a beat. Now he's ready for his sophomore campaign with yet another transition on the horizon.

Kiwanuka stepped in last season at his natural position of defensive end when both Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck went down with injuries that kept them out most the season. Many wondered how well a rookie would be able to step in midseason for a team that was making its playoff run but the Boston College career sack leader didn't disappoint. He was able to learn the speed of the game on the fly which was a testament to his uncanny gridiron smarts and ability to learn from those around him and make adjustments where needed.

"From a fan's point of view there is going to be a lot of new stuff, there is going to be a lot exciting things." - Mathias Kiwanuka on the new look Giants defense.

Even though last season ended on a sour note Kiwanuka was a bright spot who knew the sky was the limit as long as he continued to work. However, as they often do in the NFL, thing change. After an off-season full of change newly appointed GM Jerry Reese decided that the sophomore DE might fill a void at linebacker and before long it was time for Kiwanuka to start from scratch.

Shortly before the 2007 draft Kiwanuka learned that he would be moved to linebacker and because of his natural abilities many people including himself knew he could make the switch. Once OTA's rolled around in early June, he used the time to get the feel for his new position and the responsibilities that come with it.

"OTA's are good because you have an opportunity to get used to the new playbook and get a feel for playing with everyone around you," said Kiwanuka. When asked about how he felt overall about coming into his second year as a pro he stated, "Mentally you know what to expect, you understand the pressure and what's expected of you."

Kiwanuka was only one of many changes this past season with one of the most important coming at defensive coordinator when former Eagles linebackers coach Steve Spagnuolo was hired to mix things up a bit and change the face of Big Blue's defense. It was certainly a key for Kiwanuka that the new man in charge had a special knack for working with LB's. Now, Kiwanuka alongside the rest of the defense, were all learning a new style together and the former college standout couldn't help but notice some changes. "

"From a fan's point of view there is going to be a lot of new stuff, there is going to be a lot exciting things," he told Giants.com. "We have to develop our own identity and with a lot of new faces around, we have to play together and learn each other's strengths and weaknesses."

Kiwanuka reiterated many times that in order to be successful at that position himself as well as the rest of the unit must play smart and fast and just looking around the rest of the NFL one would be hard up to find someone that wouldn't agree with that philosophy.

Lastly Kiwanuka mentioned that out of the many different strengths required to make the switch from defensive end to linebacker you must be able to read coverage and mentally prepare every week for a new opponent. "It's different from being a defensive end, you have to know what everyone is doing, read the coverage, be aware, and you need speed when you have to cover a wide receiver who runs a 4.3, rather then just go after the Quarterback." These are things that Mathias Kiwanuka has been and will continue working on until September 9th in Dallas.

It appears that Kiwanuka just gets it; he understands how important it is to not just have the physical attributes but the openness and willingness to improve and work with those around him. It's the little things such as that which mold good players into great ones. Surely, things will not change overnight. It will take some time for Kiwanuka and the rest of the linebackers to gel into the unit the Giants are hoping for. But isn't that what training camp is for? Rest assured with Mathias Kiwanuka still growing and absorbing everything around him it's only a matter of time until he flourishes into the force he can become.