Clark Lea and staff leave no stone unturned in recruiting. Since Lea’s arrival, Vanderbilt has signed three international prospects in Linus Zunk, Darren Agu, and Yilanan Ouattara. The Commodores have turned their attention to another international prospect in the 2024 class, as the Commodores have targeted Emmanuel Okoye.
“I’m from Lagos, Nigeria, and I started playing football September 2022. I was recruited by Osi Umenyiora who is also Nigerian through his Uprise Camp and NFL Africa camp to play football at the NFL Academy (London, EN). The camps were conducted in the spring of 2022,” said Okoye.
“I played basketball, soccer, and track and field growing up. Those sports helped my transition to football. Track and field helped with my speed and made me adapt to the speed of the game faster. Basketball helped with my explosiveness, agility, and my decision-making.”
Okoye’s rare blend of size and athleticism caught the eye of Vanderbilt’s coaching staff. The 6-foot-5 and 230-pound defensive end likes the Commodores program.
“Vanderbilt is an incredible school that offers the very best of education while playing football in the best conference in college football. It is an honor to be considered by them and to receive a full scholarship offer. I look forward to continuing to learn about the program and growing your relationship with the staff,” said Okoye.
“Coach Haye is a great coach with the interest and future of his players at heart. They saw my potential and how they can develop me to become as a great football player, a great student, and individual.”
Okoye currently sports offers from Vanderbilt and UT-San Antonio, and several others are interested in the international prospect. Okoye is looking for the right fit.
“I’m hearing most from Vanderbilt, UTSA, Nebraska, Tennessee, Florida, Colorado State, BYU, Texas A&M, Charlotte, and Texas Tech. I’m spending a lot of time learning about those schools and looking forward to finding the school that is a perfect fit for me,” said Okoye.
“I’m looking for a place that feels like home to me. I want a program that I’ll fit in and will be a great fit for me. I’m looking at the quality of education, the environment and the weather.”
