Just hours after the Eagles announced that they had acquired linebacker Kiko Alonso from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for running back LeSean McCoy, the new linebacker spoke with Philadelphia reporters on a conference call. Here's what we learned.
1. Alonso Expects To Be Full-Go By Training Camp
After playing every snap as a rookie in 2013, Alonso missed the entire 2014 season after tearing his ACL while preparing for Training Camp last July. Alonso said that he hopes to participate in offseason activities then being full-go in Training Camp.
"I'm doing everything. Not at 100 percent yet, but definitely given where I'm at, I feel very good about it," said Alonso, who added that he currently weighs 235 pounds. "I don't know if I'll be full-go in April or May, but build up so by the time Training Camp starts I definitely feel like I'll be 100 percent full-go."
2. Alonso Is Very Familiar With The Defense
Alonso said that the Eagles' scheme under coordinator Bill Davis is like the one that he thrived in at Oregon.
"It's very similar. The terminology might be different, but everything's pretty much the same," Alonso said. "A lot of similarities. Just going over it, I saw tons of ways. I feel comfortable with the defense because I've done a lot of those things before."
**
On Tuesday, the Eagles acquired LB Kiko Alonso from the Buffalo Bills. Here are 15 facts about the newest Eagle linebacker ...
LB Kiko Alonso was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2013 draft
When Alonso was drafted, he was the highest linebacker selected by Buffalo since LB Paul Posluszny in 2007
Kiko tallied 159 tackles during his rookie season in 2013 and added four interceptions
He was named Defensive Rookie of the Month for September of 2013
Kiko was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 by the Pro Football Writers Association
Alonso was also selected to the Pro Football Focus All-Rookie team after the 2013 season
Alonso is originally from Netwon, Massachusetts, but then moved to California
He attended the University of Oregon after graduating from Los Gatos High School in California
During his senior season at Los Gatos, Kiko led the De Anza League and Central Coast Section in tackles with 150
He also led his team in receiving during his senior season with 559 yards
Alonso was also a member of his high school's track and field team
Kiko was rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and was rated as the 47th best inside linebacker recruit in 2008
Kiko Alonso's real first name is actually Kristian
In the 2012 Rose Bowl game, Alonso was named the Defensive Player of the Game after having an interception and five tackles
At Oregon, Alonso had 144 total tackles including 21 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and six interceptions
- Alonso Will Be An Inside Linebacker**
Last season, Alonso was expected to move to outside linebacker in the Bills' 4-3 scheme after playing middle linebacker as a rookie. Alonso said that after talking with the Eagles he will play inside and plans to learn both the MIKE (DeMeco Ryans) and WILL (Mychal Kendricks) positions.
"I can't wait to get to work with those guys," Alonso said. "There are some great players in that room. I've been in touch with a lot of those guys so I'm very excited to get to work with all of those guys."
4. Alonso Has Had A Small Taste Of Philly Sports
Kiko Alonso's older brother, Carlos, is an infielder in the Phillies' minor league system. The 27-year-old Carlos spent the end of last season playing in Reading and Kiko was able to attend some games.
"Those Reading fans are definitely very passionate. I can only imagine how passionate they are for the Phillies and the Eagles," Alonso said. "I've heard nothing but good things about all of the fans in Philadelphia."
If he thinks Reading Phillies fans are passionate, well ...
5. Alonso Won't Feel Pressure From Trade Status
Alonso will likely always be known as the player whom the Eagles traded McCoy for. Alonso is not going to think about that, just focus on being the best Eagle that he possibly can.
"I'm not going to put any added pressure on myself because I was traded for McCoy," Alonso said. "I'm just going to go out there and do what I do and just give that organization and the fans my best. That's all I can do."
