Four years ago, Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake resorted to watching football games from the discomfort of his couch. Three years ago, he joined the Canadian Football League. And last year, he landed a deal in the NFL.
It has been a dramatic and inspiring ascension through the football ranks for Wake, the type of story that leaves fans wanting more. Good news: Wake wants more, too.
``I was always a guy who has been hungry for more,'' said the 250-pound, sack-seeking specimen. ``I wanted to get to the highest level. Now that I'm here, that's not enough, either.''
Perhaps as much as anyone on Miami's roster, Wake is enduring a crucially important offseason that continues Friday with an important five-practice, three-day veteran minicamp at the Dolphins' training facility.
There will be many story lines to watch closely, from Ronnie Brown's continued rehabilitation to the anticipated competition at free safety. But Wake, as well as outside linebackers Quentin Moses and Charlie Anderson, might be the spot worth watching the most.
``A lot of guys are ready to step up to the plate,'' Wake said.
BEING COUNTED ON
Miami's fan base can only hope. The Dolphins chose to move forward without pass-rushing linebackers Joey Porter and Jason Taylor, which means sack specialists such as Wake are going to be major factors in Miami's success or failure.
True, the Dolphins added several new linebackers -- but many are more effective in pass coverage and run-stopping than being sack specialists. That's where Wake comes into play.
``We were just talking in there about that,'' Wake said. ``Last year, we had two captains on the team in the same room -- both linebackers. We were with them all the time. Obviously, we're going to miss them.
``At the same time, we've got to step it up as a group. We have a new coordinator and a new defense, and everyone is raring to go.''
In addition to the newly added linebackers such as rookie Koa Misi, Miami's new plan under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan calls for more penetration from the interior of the defense.
That should allow players such as nose tackle Randy Starks and middle linebacker Karlos Dansby, who have piled up plenty of sacks, to keep providing pressure on the quarterback. But getting that pressure from the edge also is huge.
MAKING AN IMPACT
Last season, his first year in the NFL, Wake was effective on third-down passing situations. His ability to scoop low to the ground caused trouble for big, tall offensive tackles, helping him pile up 5.5 sacks in minimal action. Now, he's attempting to transition into a three-down linebacker, capable of stopping the run and playing in coverage. Although Anderson and Moses still have seen a bulk of the action on early downs, Wake is working toward those goals.
``I've been pleased about his recall from last season to this season from a fundamental standpoint,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``I've seen really good signs of what we thought was improving at the end of the year last year, which was the pass-coverage aspect.''
Wake isn't guaranteed the opportunity to get on the field more than he did last year -- but he's in a prime position to do so. And he realizes, with the proper work ethic, his rapid rise through the football ranks still has plenty of room for growth.
``I want to make an impact on this team,'' Wake said. ``Now is the time to start doing it.''
