Interview with Daniel Akinkunmi; from the NFL Academy to the Big 12
With the College Football Playoffs soon to be upon us, the 2024 recruiting class is already looking well ahead to the new season.
Among the class this year, another wave of athletically gifted Briton’s, including Europe’s most promising NFL hopeful yet.
London born Daniel Akinkunmi committed to the powerhouse program at the University of Oklahoma in October and is relishing his opportunity to join College Football’s finest next fall.
Standing at 6-foot-five, 305 pounds, the Sooner commit is the highest ranked European recruit in the 2024 class and a UA All-American, despite having picked up the sport only two years ago.
A graduate of the NFL Academy, Akinkunmi received offers from over 30 division 1 schools, including Clemson, Ole Miss, Baylor and Arkansas.
However, after visiting Oklahoma and head coach Brent Venables, the decision was made straightforward for the British prospect.
Akinkunmi told Offgrid NFL: “It’s important to have a culture of winning, and that’s something Oklahoma has – to win, to be great.
“Their focus on the moment sets them apart from the rest. Being the best in the moment. This programme wants to win championships now.”
Seeking a challenge
Oklahoma recently wrapped up their final season in the Big 12 conference of College Football, with a perfect home slate and an overall record of 10-2.
But when Akinkunmi suits up in crimson and cream for the first time, the program will make its own debut in the SEC – a conference already under firm control of an array of elite schools, notably the likes of Alabama, Georgia and LSU.
“We’re going to the SEC. The best conference, they call it. I can’t wait to compete there. My tribute to the team is becoming a true freshman and going out there and putting everything I have on the field, giving everything that I’ve got.”
Akinkumi had a late introduction to the gridiron, having previously played basketball. The transition was welcomed by the Londoner, upon realising that his frame and skillset was better suited to hitting defensive lineman than to hitting free throws.
The switch paid off quickly, as Akinkunmi dominated camps in the states, and showcased his abilities against top American talents in the NFL Academy’s short but intense season, which included a 35-0 shutout of New York’s Erasmus Hall High School.
By the time Akinkunmi steps foot on Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, nicknamed ‘the Palace on the Prairie’ – he will already have had plenty of further experience competing with top high school recruits at the Under Armour All-American Game.
“To become an all-American was one of my goals. I’ve always set multiple goals of being the best, being an All-American, even social media goals. I hold myself to high standards. I want to be the best player to ever play this sport at my position.”
Dreams of reaching the NFL
Though Akinkunmi claims that Oklahoma’s focus on winning games drew him to the Sooners, he confesses the looming question of pro-football has been on his mind for some time.
“I feel like my career is just getting started, I’ve only played for two years. But multiple guys in the league have played in the All-American game and I’m hoping to be one of those guys, to get drafted in the first round and help out the sport as an international game.”
With the NFL draft already set as his next destination after Norman, Oklahoma, Akinkunmi’s decision was undoubtedly a wise one in assisting his pro dreams.
The Sooners rank 10th among all college programs for the most players on active NFL rosters in 2023. Additionally, Oklahoma has produced nine draftees on the offensive line since 2018 – including pro bowlers Creed Humphrey Orlando Brown, and Superbowl champion Bobby Evans.
By increasing his odds to be playing on Sundays, Akinkunmi also believes he can create success for the game at home.
“I feel like we have it – Britain, Europe. We have it, we just haven’t been playing the sport for long.
“To have someone who has played at the NFL academy, in Europe, played college ball and then been drafted in the first round – that’s something which needs to happen.”
Only two years into his football adventure, Akinkunmi is proving to be that missing link the British game so badly desires.
