2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Stacy Chukwumezie, WR, Northern Arizona University

• Name: Stacy Chukwumezie
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 180 lbs
• Position: WR
• College: Northern Arizona University
• Twitter: @CantGuardChuk

Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?

Our university is one of the best in the country. The faculty actually cares about you and helps you become not just a better student but a better person each day. I’m a criminal justice major with a minor in sociology. Campus life is different from what I am used to. I take predominately online courses, so when I do have to go on the campus it’s cool to see all the different faces once in a while.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates would say my best quality is my willingness to compete. My will to compete stands out because I am the type of person that races to be in front of everything. I believe if my teammates see me doing that and they look up to me as a leader, then there is no excuse for them not to do it also.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself as a leader on the team & I hold myself to that standard everyday. Lining up in spread and airing it down fields fits my skill set the best because I believe I am the best deep threat in the country.

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

The best college player I have ever played against was probably Khalil Tate.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Sherrod Paige, a leader on the defense and the type of player you need on your team.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Being undersized out of high school forced me to take the Juco route. Everyone is not built for that Juco struggle. There’s no meal plans, no housing issued to the players, and most importantly there’s no one to hold you accountable to do anything, so if you really want to make it out you have to hold that self-motivation everyday and grind for what you love. I believe going the Juco route made me into the player I am today.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would be running track and field most definitely. I was a Juco All-American long jumper but upon transferring I chose to focus on football to perfect every minor detail to take my game to the next level.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Something I am most proud of is overcoming the adversity of a season ending injury. Most people will experience that and upon the next year will not be the same player they were prior. Going through that, especially when the biggest injury I’ve had prior to that was a jammed finger changed my mentally completely. Having the game of football stripped away from me made me 10x more hungrier. I told myself, my coaches, and the support staff around me that I would come back a better player than I ever was and that is exactly what I did.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Towards the end of the 2nd quarter against Weber state about 40 seconds left, backed up in Weber’s territory, ball on the 5. The call was for me to run a go route, I come off the ball, stuttered at about 7 yards and the DB bites & tries to jump it, after that he was burnt toast. With the safety coming over to try and save the day, Case Cookus put that ball in the only spot it needed to be. The safety ended up missing me, and now I’m running down the field for a 95 yard touchdown that puts us up before halftime. This TD also helped Case break the NAU TD record so I felt good that I could accomplish that with him.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete is Lebron James, but the player I model my game after Is DeSean Jackson. He’s from the same city as me and is one of the best deep threats to ever play in the league. He taught me at an early age that speed kills.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

My favorite artist is Meek Mill. “Dreams and Nightmares” and ”Ima Boss” are always on replay in my headphones! Makes me want to run through a wall!

What is your favorite comfort food?

My favorite comfort food is jambalaya. I plan to go to New Orleans one day just to taste where it originated from.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

Favorite movie would have to be Rush Hour 2. My favorite actor is Will Smith. Any role, any genre, the man does not miss.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

In my spare time I like to play 2k and madden, and for anyone who is reading this I’m the best! Go ahead and add me to find out (psn: Chukdirtyy). 

Who or what motivates you the most?
My mother is my biggest motivation. From a very young age I’ve seen her do so much for me and my siblings. She worked 5 days a week to provide us with the essential tools to be great in life and for that I am forever grateful and plan to give her the world!