By Brandon Bean
Sports Writer
Here’s the deal: when you see a big 79 running your way, get out of Dodge.
Standing at a staggering 6 feet 5 inches, carrying 260 pounds of pure muscle, is the “man child” taking the gridiron by storm, Chukwuma “Chuks” Nwammiri Okorafor. And yes, he is truly as awesome on the field as his name.
Okorafor has only strapped on a helmet for two seasons, and he is already one of the most dominant linemen in the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) white division, making him a possible contender for a spot on the Oakland County All-League list.
Okorafor has been a United States citizen for approximately 2 years. He, his mother, father and two older siblings moved from their home in Nigeria because of new job opportunities in the United States.
With the move, Okorafor was placed in a different culture that forced him to pick a new lifestyle. Once he was introduced to the American game of football, it quickly became second nature to him. “It’s something I really like doing,” says Okorafor.
While Okorafor has found enjoyment in the sport of football, speaking has proven to be one of his least favorite activities. Okorafor is known to remain more on the laconic side, but his intelligence speaks for itself. Spectators might think that someone with his overpowering physique and athletic ability would be more outgoing socially, but his relatively discreet nature is a trait that makes him unique.
Southfield student-athlete and senior Leshun Walters says, “At first he was so quiet he annoyed me, but his personality kind of grew on the team.”
Okorafor’s quiet personality is offset greatly by his big play-making abilities. “He’s louder banging people on the field with his pads than he is in school,” Walters says jokingly.
Even with taking on the challenges of adapting to a new culture, becoming fluent in a different language, and continuing to be a successful student, Okorafor remains positive and cheerful in his development as a player. Okorafor says with a smile on his face, “I wish I would have played sooner.”
Despite only having two years of experience, Okorafor has already been talking to major schools such as Ball State University, Wayne State University and the University of Cincinnati about playing college football.
Okorafor shares that one of his favorite hobbies is to play chess with his siblings, which could be one explanation for how effortlessly he picks up on difficult challenges.
Fellow teammate senior Collin Buchanan explains how great of an asset he is to the Blue Jays’ running game. “He plays very smart on the field. He picks up complicated blitzes quickly and executes his blocking assignments. I feel safe having him next to me on the (offensive) line.”
Offensive Line Coach and Head Coach Tim Conley says Okorafor’s potential is limitless. “He’s intelligent, a leader, and not afraid to work hard. I expect him to be one of our best linemen next year,” says Conley.
Crushing defenders on the football field isn’t the only way in which Okorafor likes to dominate. Okorafor talks about his past experiences with sports in his home land. In Nigeria, Okorafor was a formidable soccer player, which, ironically, is called “futbol,” in Nigeria. He attributes that experience to his exceptional footwork skills and his speed.
Football might not be the end of the road for Okorafor. He says he is also considering showing his athletic ability on the basketball court this winter season.