Described is an apparatus which comprises: samplers operable to perform linear equalization training and to perform function of an un-rolled decision feedback equalizer (DFE); and logic to select output of offset samplers, from among the samplers, when two adjacent bits of an input signal are the same. Described is an equalization scheme which comprises a linear equalizer (LE) operable to match a first post-cursor residual ISI tap to a first pre-cursor residual ISI tap for a non-lone bit transition of the input signal.