Interview: 5-Star 2021 ATH Emeka Egbuka Talks Football and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A saying popularized by Dan Patrick on ESPN in the 1990’s about a talented player who was just that much better than everyone else he was competing against was “You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him.” That had to be the thought process for teams going up against Steilacoom High School during the 2018 season knowing Emeka Egbuka was suiting up. That approach did not work and Egbuka lit it up.
All eyes were on Egbuka entering his sophomore campaign after posting veteran numbers as a freshman. The now 6-1, 190-pound, phenom wowed all in 2017 with 44 receptions for 808 yards with 13 scores and carried the rock 23 times for 112 more yards. He filled in on defense with nine stops, a fumble recovery, blocked a punt, and even picked off a pass. The 2018 season for Egbuka was on line with a Hollywood action film hauling in 72 passes for 1,492 yards with 23 trips to the end zone in 12 games played. On defense he upped his athlete status putting an end to 29 plays with a fumble recovery, another blocked punt, and picked off eight passes covering the opposition’s best receiver. If that was not enough, on special teams he took back two kicks for 111 yards and 13 punts for 248 more all-purpose yards reaching the end zone a total of 26 times.
The myriad of ways Egbuka can help a squad win a game has not been lost on college football coaches. After earning first team MaxPreps All-American, first team All-State, first team All-Area and South Puget Sound League MVP, the five-star Class of 2021 recruit has picked up 23 offers thus far.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top Class of 2021 recruits in the nation covering his overall game and recruiting process.
Interview
Emeka, it goes without saying that you had a fantastic sophomore season on the field. Going into the schedule did you anticipate having the year you had?
“I did not envision the numbers in my head. My goal was for us to go as far as we could during the season.”
On offense, you were seemingly unstoppable with nearly 1,500 receiving yards. There are a lot of attributes to your game that standout off your game film, your speed, hands, concentration, and body control – am I missing anything?
“I think my best two attributes are my body control and ball skills. I feel that because of my baseball background I attack ball differently than others. I also attack it at the highest point. I am good at getting separation from the defender with my body.”
Funny you mention body control because that really stood out to me. With your balance and body control, does that come naturally or have you trained a certain way to work your body to that point?
“I do specific body control training, but I have already been good at having body control. It is God given.”
One other physical trait to ask you about, your speed. Just how fast are you?
“My best 40-yard dash time was a laser 4.42.”
Wow. I believe it. You were an impact player for the Sentinels as a freshman. How did your play on the field in 2017 set up your success in 2018?
“Coming in as a freshman, I was able to get a feel for the game and the speed of the game. It certainly helped me my sophomore season.”
On defense, you picked off eight passes, which is amazing. What was working so well for you allowing you to be so productive?
“In every game they put me on the other team’s best guy. I like the challenge and responsibility. I got to lock them down every game.”
What does someone with your success work on in the offseason to improve their overall game?
“Everything. I am making sure body is right, working on perfecting my craft on the field, and training mentally for the upcoming season.”
Where all might we see you on the field during your junior season?
“You’ll see me at receiver and corner again, maybe some safety. I think we are putting in a Wildcat play or two.”
Have you attended any national camps yet?
“Yes. I went to the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio.”
Do you have any upcoming national camps you may attend?
“Yes. I am going to the Oakland Nike Opening Regional in May.”
With your on the field status as a five-star, I know you have a ton of offers. How many schools have offered you?
“I have 23 offers.”
Which schools were the last couple to offer?
“Alabama, Baylor, and Texas A&M.”
Egbuka’s Offer Sheet (23): Alabama, Arizona, Auburn, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Purdue, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Utah, Washington, and Washington State
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I visited USC and UCLA not too long ago. I had a free weekend.”
How did the USC visit go?
“It was a good time. I talked with their receivers coach, Coach (Keary) Colbert. I got to know more about him and I got to see the campus.”
What about UCLA, how did that visit go?
“It was really good as well. I met their receivers coach for first time, Coach (Jimmie) Dougherty and with Coach (Chip) Kelly (head coach). I love their campus.”
Do you have any planned visits?
“I am going to Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Michigan in March.”
Nice. When you are not doing a football related activity, what are you doing for fun?
“I am pretty much all football. If not doing something football related I am lifting. On the weekends, at night I will go to a friend’s house and chill.”
Emeka, it was great going over your game and recruiting process today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Egbuka family; Emeka Egbuka at UCLA