MOBILE, Ala. — Shaun Dion Hamilton loves Mack Wilson like a little brother. The former Alabama linebacker not only played with Wilson in college but also at Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. The two share one of the closest bonds on the team and talk to each other regularly.
Although, there are still times when little brother makes big brother shake his head.
The latest of those instances came this week as Wilson predicted that he’d win the Butkus Award while proclaiming that he is “THE best linebacker in the country” over Twitter.
It’s not that Hamilton necessarily disagrees with his former teammate. After all, Wilson is coming off of a solid sophomore season in which he finished with 40 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and a team-high four interceptions. Hamilton just doesn’t want the young linebacker to get too ahead of himself.
“It’s a long way,” Hamilton said with a smile. “See, I like the idea, but just stay patient.”
Wilson’s proclamation is nothing new. Last year, Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans tweeted “I’ll win the Butkus Award.” However, no one on the Crimson Tide’s roster seems to enjoy social media as much as Wilson. That comes much to the chagrin of his former teammate.
“We’ve had our fair share of arguments about his social media phase,” Hamilton said with a smile. “I think he just needs to focus on himself and continue to just work.”
On top of the occasional bold statement, Wilson regularly sends out photos of himself. The shots range anywhere from him with teammates in the locker room to everyday trips to the grocery store.
“Oh man, I’m trying to see where he finds some of these pictures,” Hamilton said. “I’ve never found some of them. It was after the Sugar Bowl and I woke up to a message of him sending out a picture of me and him. He’s a good picture finder… He loves social media, he loves it. I’m sure if he could make his own social media app he would.”
Hamilton, who is participating in off-the-field activities at the Senior Bowl while recovering from a season-ending knee injury, generally takes a more low-key approach to life off the field. Unlike his former five-star teammate, he isn’t usually in the media spotlight.
Despite being a bit more understated than Wilson, Hamilton will look to draw attention in his own way as he takes part in interviews with NFL scouts this week. The 6-foot, 235-pound linebacker is somewhat undersized compared to other NFL linebackers but will look to improve his draft stock by convincing scouts he has the intangibles to stick in the league.
“It’s just always brought more fuel to the fire,” Hamilton said. “I’ve always been doubted because of my size and speed and now with my injuries and stuff like that. It just makes me more hungry.”
For now, Hamilton will focus on his recovery and continue to keep his nose to the grindstone in pursuit of his goal. He advises Wilson to do the same.
