2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kene Nwangwu, RB/KR, Iowa State University

Name: Kene Nwangwu
Position: RB/KR
College: Iowa State University
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 210 lbs
Twitter: @KWang3_

Right now, people are not talking about you the way I feel they should. Do you feel you are an underdog?

• Yeah I feel like an underdog but that’s where I’ve been my whole collegiate career. I like the feeling of others having low to no expectations of me while I hold myself to the highest of expectation.  

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

• They should know that I’m a fast and explosive football player while having a good size to be utilized in many aspects of the special teams game. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

• Probably Autism Speaks. Mainly because of my little brother who has Asperger’s Syndrome. I believe that the more people who are aware of the types of behavior from people on the Autism spectrum will learn to understand and accept these kinds of people for who they are, especially kids in middle school and high school who can be very judgmental to people with differences.   

Who was your childhood hero?

• I think it would be Adam Savage from Myth Busters. I used to watch that show endlessly growing up and he’s probably the reason why I persuaded a mechanical engineering degree.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

• I would say Joseph Scates. He has shown sparks of being a truly elite wide receiver and I think through consistency, a focus on his craft, and honing in on his “why” he will be able to show that on a game-to-game basis. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• Ungrateful and unapologetic people.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

• The recovery process for my achilles tendon. Just focusing on the day-to-day process of getting back. It was difficult to have things like being able to walk without a boot or being able to walk on a treadmill underwater be the things I looked forward to rather than scoring touchdowns or playing our rival team. Honestly, that injury made me a better human-being and I grew to appreciate the many opportunities that I have been granted in this life and I wouldn’t change anything about that process.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

• For me it has the support and loyalty of our fan base. I mean I came on an official visit to a 3-9 football team that hasn’t seen success in many years and there was still a sold out crowd. So for myself and many of my teammates, playing in Jack Trice Stadium and having our fans support us regardless of the outcome of a game or season is something I will cherish about Iowa State.

What is your favorite snack food?

• RITZ Toasted Chips Sour Cream and Onion. Family Sized. Maybe one day I can get a sponsorship from them.

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

• Kene Nwangwu is an unselfish team player who does whatever is needed to benefit a team’s success and has shown that he maximizes his opportunities when given to him.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

• Raheem Mostert. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

• Jesus Christ, Malcolm X, and MLK Jr. I would like to understand the courage and desire to become a leader in such a hostile environment and having the ability to captivate others to walk the same path as they did while suppressing their fears.