Akron native Whitney Mercilus had an epiphany years ago during a memorable practice with the Garfield High School football team .

Although Mercilus possessed star power as a young Golden Rams defensive end and tight end, his position of choice became a no-brainer early in his remarkable football journey .

“I'd rather be the hammer versus the nail,” Mercilus , a 2008 Garfield graduate, said during a recent phone interview.

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