INDIANAPOLIS — Ickey Ekwonu shouldn't be unfamiliar with the highlight.
The North Carolina State offensive lineman is taken into account one of many two greatest offensive tackles within the 2022 NFL Draft. There's a probability he winds up because the choice of the Jets with the No. 4 choose or the Giants with the No. 5 choose. That's, if the Jaguars don't take him No. 1 total.
However Ekwonu received’t be fazed by being the lead man of the draft. He’s been the lead earlier than — in his fifth-grade manufacturing of “101 Dalmatians” when he performed Pongo The Canine.
“That was a giant step for me,” Ekwonu stated Thursday on the scouting mix.
Ekwonu talked about his life in musical theater as a child, being in honors refrain in highschool and, in fact, soccer throughout a session with reporters right here the place his large character was on show.
As NFL groups will uncover in their very own interviews with Ekwonu, he's comfy in his personal pores and skin and loves taking part in soccer.
“I really feel like for those who ask anyone again at State they’re going to inform you that I've essentially the most enjoyable on the sector,” Ekwonu stated. “I like this sport a lot. I like offensive line, with the ability to impose my will once I need on defenders. That’s one thing I take plenty of delight in. Each time I get on the sector it seems like I’m a child once more taking part in flag soccer. I've plenty of enjoyable with this sport. I've plenty of enjoyable dominating folks. That’s probably the greatest elements of the job.”
If the Jets draft Ekwonu, he would possible must play guard for a 12 months. The Jets will possible have Mekhi Becton and George Fant at deal with in 2022. Ekwonu may very well be the crew’s proper guard, forming a pleasant pairing with Alijah Vera-Tucker on the place and strengthening the road in entrance of Zach Wilson.
Ekwonu, who's 6-foot-4 and 320 kilos, has performed each guard and deal with in school and stated he's keen to maneuver to protect although he prefers left deal with.
“I’ve all the time been a crew participant,” Ekwonu stated. “I’ve by no means been shy to bump inside or do one of the best factor for the crew. For those who ask me personally, I undoubtedly see myself as a left deal with. I really feel like I’m barely scratching the floor of my potential at left deal with. I really feel like with some extra improvement, a bit bit extra refinement in my sport, I can undoubtedly be nice at that place.”
Most draft rankings have Ekwonu behind Alabama’s Evan Neal at deal with however there's nonetheless loads of time earlier than the draft. Ekwonu may find yourself being the No. 1 total choose by Jacksonville.
“That may imply quite a bit to me,” Ekwonu stated. “I feel I’d be solely the third NC State participant to go No. 1 total. Having that legacy, having that historical past to it, which means quite a bit to me as effectively. I’ve labored actually exhausting all all through my years at NC State, all all through this offseason. I wouldn’t be shocked if I went No. 1 total. I really feel like that’s one thing that I’ve put the work in for and I really feel like when that point comes, I'd deserve it.”
If the Jaguars don’t take him, he may find yourself with one of many New York groups, one thing he welcomes.
“That may be nice,” Ekwonu stated. “I've household in New York and New Jersey, so it might be good to have the ability to spend a while with them and be near them. I’ve been in New York Metropolis a few occasions. I’ve been in New Jersey a few occasions, a ravishing space. It might undoubtedly be a pleasant change of surroundings.”
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