Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley was one of the first players on the field for the opening practice of training camp Thursday.
He went off to the side, alone, and swung his left arm in a big looping motion and then his surgically repaired right shoulder and arm.
Everything felt good, and he nodded his head. He was ready to start his professional NFL career.
“I’m going as hard as possible,” said McKinley, who the Falcons drafted in the first round (26th overall) in the NFL draft. “That’s how I played with the shoulder for two years. Got to take it slow. Don’t want any setbacks.”
During the individual drills, McKinley was slamming both arms into the bags with great force. He look every bit the tormentor of quarterbacks the Falcons were hoping to pick up.
“I do all the (individual drills),” McKinley said. “They’re keeping me out of teams.”
Falcons coach Dan Quinn liked what he saw of McKinley, who couldn’t work out with the team over the offseason, per league academic rules, because UCLA is on the quarter system and classes were still in session.
“He really put the work in over the summer,” Quinn said. “When you’re a little bit behind and you don’t get to get here and do some of the skill work based on colleges that are on quarters, you don’t have some of the knowledge. Over the summer, you can tell he applied himself.
“He put the work in from a rehab standpoint. He looks very strong. Just take it one step at a time.”
Defensive line coach Bryant Young would use the Facetime app on his iPhone to speak with McKinley and try to teach him the nuances of the defense during OTAs and minicamp.
McKinley had the surgery March 3.
“Met the doctor last week and met the coaches,” McKinley said. “They told me we’re going to take it slow, just slowly progressing. I went out there and did the best I can do.
“Whatever the coaches want me to do, I’ll do it. It felt good. It’s good to be back with the team, good to be back to football. My last game was in November.”
Once eligible after UCLA academic year was completed, McKinley’s been working out at the team’s facility.
“Once UCLA was over, June 15, actually I flew out June 15, and I’ve been working hard Monday through Fridays in the weight room, outside doing drills, just doing everything I could do,” McKinley said.
The Falcons hope that McKinley will get some action in the third or fourth exhibition game.
