2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Chuka Ezeuzoh, OL, University of Delaware

• Name: Chuka Ezeuzoh
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 305
• Position: G/T
• College: University of Delaware
• Twitter: @ChukaEzeuzoh

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. Most people overlook Wilmington or wonder about its relevance but that’s part of the reason I love this city. It’s small, yet mighty. Wilmington is rapidly growing and becoming very diverse. Wilmington has a lot of history and culture; it has inspired me to appreciate where I am from but also to explore what else the world has to offer me. On a simpler note, Wilmington is truly the definition of everyone knows everyone. My hometown has a family feel, that’s what I love most. 

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

Film Study, Practice, then Strength and Conditioning. I’ve chosen this order of importance for a few reasons. I’ve been told time and time again that going into a game, you must know your opponent. By watching film, I can find blitz tendencies, figure out my opponent’s predominant moves and counter moves, and what type of front defense typically lineup in. By watching with film, you can learn so much about an opponent while simultaneously improving my own mistakes. Next in the order of importance, is practice. The practice is important to perfect any craft and football is no different. This is where a player can master his craft and prepare for their opponent. With practice, I have become faster, stronger, and more precise on the field. Lastly, in my opinion, is strength and conditioning. Strength and conditioning are important. The stronger you become, the more likely you dominate your opponent and be a force on the field. However, all brawn and no brain equal an ineffective football player.

What do you worry about, and why?

I think any athlete is conditioned to be wildly competitive. My competitiveness and need to win mentality play a role in all aspects of my life. With that being said, my biggest worry is making sure I meet my parents’ expectations. My parents migrated from Nigeria at a very young age with very little and they have cultivated a successful life for themselves and our family. The Nigerian mantra is to do more than your parents have done. My pressures are twofold; first, do more than they did. That is, dream bigger, achieve greater, live more bodily, and crush every goal I set for myself. The second is personal. My parents have lived selflessly to give me all the opportunities that I have. I need to be able to pay them back and allow them to live life selfishly, they deserve that. 

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

Failure is an interesting part of life and the worst nightmare of anyone who is as competitive as I. However, I have come to terms with the fact that failure is a part of life. During my Junior season of high school, I experienced one of my most memorable failures. I started the season out of shape and expecting a guaranteed starting spot. I failed myself because I felt like I did not contribute as much as I could to the team. When the season ended, I didn’t like how I felt about my performance so in preparing for the next season I got myself in better shape and promised myself I would work as hard as I could. During my senior season, I was a two-way starter that never missed a game and made All-Conference. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates are of course my family. I think they would say I am hardworking, but moreover, I know they would say I am motivational.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Terry Beckner, Missouri

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football? 

I’ve always been good with math and numbers. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit therefore, If I couldn’t have a career in football I would have a career in financial advisement/Investments.

Room, desk, and car – which do you clean first?

First, I clean my room, then I clean my car, and lastly, my desk.

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

Family member, I love my family so much I wouldn’t hesitate to save one member of my family over three strangers

If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?

This is a tough question, but I would choose, Naruto from the tv series Naruto. As a kid, he always wanted to become the leader of his village, but he had no God-given talent. However, he worked his tail off and became the leader of his village. I am not the most naturally talented player in the world, but I guarantee I will never be outworked. My grit and grind have paid off and I pray it continues to pay off as it did for Naruto.

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

Transferring from Delaware State, I made some great friends at that school and DSU was the only school that gave me a shot at playing division one football. I felt like I was betraying the school, but I had to be selfish and think about me and how I can advance my football career. Transferring to the University of Delaware was one of my best decisions I made, now I am in a position to pursue a professional career in football.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I cringe at the thought every time. Hands down most embarrassing moment were going 0-11 for my sophomore year at Delaware State

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

3&2, 4^th quarter, up by 5 against Elon a top ten team at the time. We ran 2 back Power, everyone on the O-Line made an amazing block and we scored a touchdown to put away the game, the raw emotions on my teammates face when we scored was so amazing that is why this is my most memorable play.

What song best describes your work ethic?

TTG- Waka Flocka Flame

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level? 

Intelligence 

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

My Grandfather. My mother loved him so much and I never had the chance to meet him.

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it? 

 Bhuka Palace

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL? 

Quinton Spain

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

Respected. Whether you are liked or not is sort of irrelevant. Respect, however, is very important. It means the people you encounter take you seriously and the quality of conversation, work, or really anything you receive from people is at a higher level. Further, respect creates boundaries and foster honest and healthy relationships.

What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?

Plaxico Burress, he shot himself by accident at the prime of his career and served time in prison, if he did not do that, who knows how his career would have ended up.

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

I hate to lose.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

My Mom. She is my everything and would do anything for me. More importantly, she taught me to be strong, a self-starter and is the reason I have a great work ethic. I owe everything too her. My Mom’s influence on my life has been tremendous. When I want to quit, I can imagine her telling me to keep pushing. I’m lucky, my mom is remarkable.