Three NFL Academy prospects to watch out for

The NFL Academy, an elite player pathway based at Loughborough University, is a major initiative by the NFL to discover the next generation of players from all corners of the world. 

With the 2023 season fast approaching, we will be looking at the top prospects from the Academy who will be playing stateside this year. 

1. Emmanuel Okoye

From growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Emmanuel Okoye is a hot name in the NFL UK community right having having recently committed to play college football at Tennessee. The 6-foot-5, 230 pound defensive end had offers from over sixteen schools which included Georgia, USC and Ole Miss. 

Described as a naturally raw football player, Okay showcased his incredible athleticism at the NFL Academy combine. He recorded a 45.5-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump – both of which would be NFL combine records for a defensive end. Just to add to his already superhuman qualities, Emmanuel records a massive 72-inch wingspan. 

Considering he only played three games at the Academy, Emmanuel is rated as a four star recruit. A lot of time will be needed in the film room but Tennessee has a diamond in the rough with Emmanuel Okoye and I for one will be following his journey with excitement. 

2. Daniel Akinkunmi

Akinkunmi is a London native and is a 6-foot-4, 306 pound offensive lineman. He has an impressive four offers from Power Five schools, which include Duke, North Carolina, Texas Tech and Minnesota. 

As of yet, he hasn’t committed to a programme, but his three star recruit status is certainly making him an exciting prospect for schools across the USA. 

3. Emmauel Sefah Boakye

Emmanuel Sefah Boakye is another Londoner who is a 6-foot-4 defensive end who weighs in at 245 pounds and has recently committed to attend Ellsworth Community College in Iowa. The Panthers had a difficult season last year and have recently appointed new head coach Kory Vaught to try and turn things around.

With a proven track record for players taking a step onto bigger programmes at the Division One level, this could be the perfect place for Emmanuel to thrive.