What is an NFL team getting in UTEP defensive end Praise Amaewhule?
He ponders for a brief moment at the question, looking for the right word to sum up his journey from a late bloomer to the Miners’ all-time leader in sacks.
One word could describe the attributes that could land Amaewhule on an active roster this fall.
“Competitor,” said a grinning Amaewhule. “I love to compete. It drives me. I don’t care if you’re a DB, I want to run your time. I was training with guys like [Florida State’s] Jarrian Jones. He ran a 4.38 at the combine, and I’m talking smack to him.
“Put me against the first-round tackles or the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line. I want to run with the best of them.”
It’s not a cocky demeanor but rather a confident tone that lingers with every word. Amaewhule is decisive but also direct, looking to get to the point as he gets past the line of scrimmage and into the backfield.
Amaewhule’s path isn’t like most prospects who hope to hear their name called next week during the 2024 NFL draft. A native of Nigeria, he grew up playing fútbol as a striker, showing up to his first practice in high school wearing soccer cleats because he thought it natural.
He didn’t receive a Division I scholarship until the final seconds leading up to National Signing Day. And despite setting records out in West Texas, he was not invited to the NFL combine, the biggest event of the offseason.
It doesn’t faze Amaewhule, a projected late Day 3 pick among scouts. It’s all a part of the plan, one he knows will end in triumph rather than tragedy.
One of the areas for improvement for UTEP edge Praise Amaewhule was his play strength. He’s been super productive with 16 career sacks but had a down year in 2022.
His first sack of 2023 was damn good. pic.twitter.com/Q5Swdb8unA
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) August 26, 2023
“Young Praise would never imagine me being here,” said Amaewhule. “I’m just continuing to grow, having the right resources, it’s elevated my game. I’ve done a lot with so little.
“I just have that hunger, that drive. Whatever I put my mind to, I’m going to get accomplished.
College football and the NFL have gained traction in Nigeria since Amaewhule moved to the United States. As a child, it was foreign, mostly mentioned on the national news once or twice a year in conversations about national championships or Super Bowl titles.
Amaewhule grew up on soccer, using his…
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