INDIANAPOLIS – North Carolina State tackle prospect Ickey Ekwonu is no stranger to performing on a grand stage. Whether it’s dominating as an offensive tackle or starring in musical theatre, he knows how to put on a show.
Ekwonu is projected as one of the top selections in this NFL Draft and some believe he could be the No. 1 overall pick. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, an imposing force for opposing pass rushers who is considered one of the most physical players in this class.
But before Ekwonu committed himself to football, he had a passion for performing arts. He had roles in school plays like The Jungle Book and The Aristocrats before getting his big break starring as Pongo in “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.” He also joined the honors chorus during his senior year of high school, singing in bass and tenor.
“It kind of allowed me an opportunity to meet a lot of different people,” Ekwonu said Thursday at the NFL Combine. “I gained a new perspective on stuff. It made me friendlier, a little more empathetic to other people, and I feel like that mindset kind of makes me jell a lot easier in a locker room. I’ve been around a lot of different people.”
It helped shape Ekwonu into such a coveted draft prospect, an individual whose football character has been heralded at the NFL Combine. But don’t underestimate his nasty streak in between the lines. He’s quick on his feet and punishing at the point of attack, a versatile offensive lineman who fits naturally in a zone running scheme.
Listen to sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest NFL team gear
Ekwonu studies 49ers nine-time Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams as he aspires to have his success.
“The chop block, I stole from him, and then I stole the backside snatch block as well,” Ekwonu said.
“Seeing his dominating nature paired with his technique is something you don’t see a lot at the position.”
This NFL Draft class is deep on the offensive line, and Ekwonu will be compared to Alabama’s Evan Neal and Mississippi State’s Charles Cross in vying to be the top tackle taken off the board. But it’s quite possible his name is called first by commissioner Roger Goodell.
Ekwonu is ready to make an impression in the NFL. He has long been comfortable under the spotlight.
“I’m sure there will be a video of me during rookie minicamp singing,” Ekwonu said.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram