Posted by Chris Brown on June 4, 2012 – 8:05 am

Bills LB Scott McKillop is looking to reclaim a pro career that was interrupted by ACL injuries. Bills defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt, who was his head coach in college, believes his former Pitt MLB is worth the investment.

“He called me and we were talking and he had gone to Atlanta, Pittsburgh… there were six teams trying to sign him,” Wannstedt told Buffalobills.com. “Around that time was when Chan made the change and we were going to the 4-3 defense and he came up for a visit and we needed linebackers. It’s a great opportunity for him.”

“He and I stayed in contact when I was gone for a little bit,” said McKillop. “I saw him around Pittsburgh with him being from there and me as well, and we stayed in touch last year.”

Wannstedt said McKillop was a victim of the lockout being unable to rehab with his NFL team at the time coming off ACL surgery last offseason.

“He had no offseason,” Wannstedt said. “That’s what got him. If there would’ve been a normal offseason he would’ve done all his rehab out with the 49ers. Instead he’s doing his rehab back in Pittsburgh last year coming off major knee surgery. He shows up in San Francisco with a new coaching staff off his own rehab. After a few practice he gets fluid on his knees. So they put him on PUP for three or four weeks and he doesn’t play. Then he gets back healthy and it’s too late and they don’t know who he is and don’t have a feel for him so they release him. So he spent the whole season in Pittsburgh training.”

But Wannstedt knows McKillop very well.

“He’s an exceptional player,” said the veteran coach. “He graduated in three and a half years so he’s a smart kid. He was a first team All-American. Led the nation in tackles. Tough guy that can play outside or inside. As a rookie he led the 49ers in tackles on special teams.”

McKillop still seems to be favoring his surgically repaired knee, which is understandable. We’ll be able to better assess his chances when the pads go on in training camp.

Tags: Dave Wannstedt Posted in Inside the Bills