Okoye, NFL Academy prospect, commits to Vols

• Chris Low, ESPN

  • Senior WriterMay 17, 2023, 09:00 AM ET Close College football reporter
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of the University of Tennessee

Emmanuel Okoye, who matured in Lagos, Nigeria, and was most recently a part of the NFL Academy program in England, said Wednesday that he plans to play college football at Tennessee.The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Okoye stated USC and Texas Tech were his other finalists. He also had deals from a number of other Power 5 schools, including Georgia.Okoye strategies to enroll at Tennessee this summer season and would be eligible

to play in 2023. He played in three games last succumb to the NFL Academy group– his first and only game experience in organized football– and saw time at protective end and on unique groups. The Volunteers state he might turn into a tight end.Editor’s Picks Okoye, 18, matured playing soccer in Nigeria and later on fell for basketball as a teenager. He didn’t understand much about football until he was discovered in 2015 by two-time Super Bowl champ Osi Umenyiora’s “The Uprise” program and scouts, who welcomed him to attend a skill identification camp in Abuja, Nigeria. He impressed enough to be welcomed to NFL Africa’s skill recognition camp in Ghana in the summer.His showing

there earned him a spot at the NFL Academy– an elite player path program that opened in September 2019 and intends to use football to produce life-altering chances for youths around the globe– and he transferred to the United Kingdom.Naturally raw as a football player, Okoye showcased remarkable athleticism at the NFL Academy combine. He taped a 45.5-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump– both of which would be NFL integrate records for defensive ends. Okoye likewise has a 72-inch wingspan.

“I am appreciative for all the support from everybody who becomes part of the NFL Academy program, my coach Osi Umenyiora and all those who have contributed to this unique moment for me,” Okoye stated as part of a declaration launched by the NFL. “This is simply the start of my journey, and I will continue to strive to grow and discover every day. Whilst I will constantly belong to the NFL Academy family, I am delighted to join the University of Tennessee, and to continue to develop as a player and a boy. I hope I will make my family proud, which starts with an elite education– which was crucial to my decision making– and I can’t wait to take this chance and give it whatever I have.”

Umenyiora, who was born in the UK to Nigerian moms and dads and is leading the NFL’s football development efforts in Africa, added: “What an amazing moment for Emmanuel. His athleticism, natural sporting skill and impressive personal character make him an outstanding prospect for the game. … Keep in mind Emmanuel’s name, as he has an amazing future ahead.”

Former Georgia pass receiver Kris Durham, an international football development expert for the NFL Academy, called Okoye a great example of a crossover athlete who has actually played football for less than a year, yet has actually shown the talent and work ethic to get a shot to play college football at the highest level.

“His story will undoubtedly pave the way for the future NFL Academy potential customers and recruits, driving awareness of the program and the chances for its skilled student-athletes, and I could not be prouder to witness his journey up until now, nor be more thrilled about what his future holds,” Durham said.Okoye, ranked as a three-star possibility by ESPN, checked out Tennessee in April for the Volunteers’ spring game. He likewise went to USC and Texas Tech in April.