RB Prince Amukamara

[Eric the Red 534]

 

Player: Prince Amukamara

Hometown: Glendale, AZ

Position: RB

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 180

40 time: 4.49

Visit Date: November 24, 2006

Scholarships offered: Colorado, Fresno St., Arizona, Nebraska, UTEP, UNLV

Favorites: Committed to Nebraska

Rankings/Stars:

Rivals:

Bid Red Report:NR/

 

Assessing the talent:

 

Odds of becoming a Cornhusker: 80% Bill Busch is recruiting him.

 

Prince Amukamara

ATH 6-1 180 Glendale, Ariz. - Apollo HS

“I felt a comfort level there immediately, like right when I checked into the hotel and when I was around the players. I could see myself spending the next four or five years at Nebraska.”

[Spartness 7]

From what I have been reading on Huskerpedia, he is a silent Husker commitment. Eric? Anyone?

[BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA 59]

azcentral

 

Prince has earned his crown

Amukamara rushed for 2,106 yards, 24 TDs: 'When the ball is in his hands, it's scary'

 

Don Ketchum

The Arizona Republic

Dec. 24, 2006 12:00 AM

 

 

The small yellow note remains affixed to the newspaper editor's computer. It has been there for several months - placed there before the start of the high school football season.

 

The memo is from the sports department's graduate of Glendale Apollo.

 

It says: PRINCE for POY.

 

Initially it served as a genesis for good-natured banter, chalked up to the alum's zeal.

 

Prince Amukamara had talent, to be sure, but was the running back/defensive back/return specialist a realistic candidate for Player of the Year?

 

As the season progressed and his numbers began to multiply at a rapid rate, the answer became very clear - hey, this guy is good. Real good.

 

And now, what once seemed a distant possibility has become a reality - Amukamara is The Republic's Big School Player of the Year.

 

The numbers:

 

 

• 171 carries for 2,106 yards, and 24 touchdowns, an average of 191.5 yards per game.

 

 

• 22 pass receptions for 252 yards and six touchdowns, an average of 20.5 yards per catch.

 

 

• 95 tackles, two interceptions (94-yard touchdown), three fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown.

 

 

• Six punt returns for an average of 26 yards, with a touchdown. And 15 kickoff returns for an average of 20.8, with a touchdown.

 

Zack Threadgill, who just wrapped up his first season as Apollo's coach, still is amazed by some of the things he has seen from the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Amukamara.

 

"He is one of the biggest game breakers I have ever seen," Threadgill said. "He can change the momentum of the game on one play. You just sit back and say, 'Wow.' "

 

Amukamara's best game came against Scottsdale Chaparral in the first round of the Class 4A Division I playoffs, a 35-28 loss in overtime that eliminated Apollo.

 

He rushed for 366 yards and four touchdowns - 10, 65, 82 and 97 yards. He caught four passes and had a 45-yard punt return.

 

After his team gave Apollo (7-4) its first loss, Glendale Cactus coach Larry Fetkenhier felt fortunate to survive.

 

"When the ball is in his hands, it's scary," Fetkenhier said. "The kid just goes out and plays football. He doesn't talk any smack. He's a great player."

 

Amukamara's parents, Romanus and Christy, are from Nigeria, where the culture preaches respect for others, especially elders. They also have five daughters.

 

"That is how we have tried to bring him up," Romanus said.

 

When Threadgill took over, he discussed goals with each player. Amukamara aimed for Player of the Year.

 

"I admit I kind of doubted myself at first, but it was a new beginning for us," Amukamara said. "We made a statement - we had a good record. We always worked hard. I have to credit my offensive line. They were a big part of my success."

 

Threadgill said Amukamara can walk the fine line between confidence and cockiness.

 

Said Amukamara: "I have good speed, field awareness, patience and explosiveness."

 

Amukamara has made some college visits, including Nevada and Nebraska.

[Spartness 7]

I suspect he's not being recruited as a RB but instead a DB or even a WR? The indication is he's a Husker (Huskerpedia), but we will find out soon enough if that is true or not. You would think he will be upgraded to perhaps a four star.

[Hunter94 703]

what do you guys think? did this kid get over looked by some big name schools or did he play in a weak league?

[Touchdown Tommie 271]

His numbers look damn good either way. Running for that many yards is pretty good and his defensive numbers looked good as well.

Are we recruiting him as an athlete and then let him prove his best position if he decides to come to NU?

[husker rob 23]

i read somewhere before that he wants to play defense. i think that he would be a scary return specialist and defensive back

 

i cant believe that he has been overlooked by alot of the big boys

[husker rob 23]

if he is a silent commitment then how would anyone know?????

 

just kidding

 

it would be a huge get, it my opinion

[TheCropDuster 0]

According to Scout, Prince just committed.....

 

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=204&p=8&a...amp;nid=2179723

[Eric the Red 534]

Gotta wonder why the two in state schools would avoid him?

[gamecocks 6]

I hope that he can provide that spark on kick and punt returns that we have been missing since Groce and Newcombe were back there.

[DJR313 67]

So much for being "silent".

[huskered17 211]

I know Arizona was on him late. I think ASU had to much turmoil going on up there to notice anyone. He played in 4A, 5A is the bigger high school's in Arizona. Might be why he got looked at late with some of the other college's. There is well over a million people in the Phoenix area and a lot of good players.

 

 

GBR!!!

[BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA 59]

He's one heck of a pick up and will shine whatever side of the ball he end up on. It will be nice to have some better return guys.

[BIGREDIOWAN 2,236]

Colorado fans will probably be pissed about this and that makes me just giddy!!!! Welcome Amukamara however I will never call you Prince!!!! Maybe P to the A................

[Spartness 7]

Not that it's important, but since he is "Player of the Year," I expect that he will be upgraded to four stars. Perhaps our biggest steal in this class.

[Touchdown Tommie 271]

This is great that we got him....it will be interesting to see where BC decides to put this kid.

[Alex 4.0 0]

I am assuming they notified Castille about this one, gave him a cookie and told him it would all be O.K.

 

I am sure the coaches have known about prince for awhile, so i think things should work out well, and he could be a real compliment to this class.

[Blackshirtsguru 182]

This is great that we got him....it will be interesting to see where BC decides to put this kid.

If this kid has the hands I think he would be one hell of a WR/KR. I wouldn't be suprised if he gives it a good run to be a potential starting WR. Such as a Flanker.

[DJR313 67]

This is great that we got him....it will be interesting to see where BC decides to put this kid.

If this kid has the hands I think he would be one hell of a WR/KR. I wouldn't be suprised if he gives it a good run to be a potential starting WR. Such as a Flanker.

 

It seems like he could pretty much play anywhere. RB/WR/CB/S/KR/PR. A nice addition to this class. It's great to have talented kids like this, essentially as 'throw-ins' for the recruiting class.

[huskerguy 98]

The only bad thing about this guy is I cant say his name

 

Big Red Report Profile

 

His only negatives are

 

-Blocking Ability

-Size

 

but he has some nice +'s

 

+Change of Direction

+Vision

+Cutback Ability

 

 

 

Get this guy in the weight room ASAP and then stick him back for punts and kickoffs!!!

[gamecocks 6]

We can work on his negatives. We may not make him taller but he can put on some muscle and work on blocking.

[RedDenver 3,480]

Rivals and Scout now both list him as a commit.

[OKCHusker 0]

Any video of the kid???

[hack 70]

i want him to be a husker if for nothing else because of his name.

 

for a while, i was kinda concened that with blake leaving, we might see a drop off in talent.

 

what was i thinking?

[Blackshirtsguru 182]

i want him to be a husker if for nothing else because of his name.

 

for a while, i was kinda concened that with blake leaving, we might see a drop off in talent.

 

what was i thinking?

The Fresh Prince of Lincoln?

[Drowning_in_the_Sea_of_Red 120]

He's going to be running "Amuk" on the field!

[husker rob 23]

welcome to the Husker Nation

[NevadaHusker27 1]

[hack 70]

i want him to be a husker if for nothing else because of his name.

 

for a while, i was kinda concened that with blake leaving, we might see a drop off in talent.

 

what was i thinking?

The Fresh Prince of Lincoln?

 

oh, now you done it...

 

Now this is the story all about how,

My life got flipped, turned upside down,

And I’d like to take a minute, so sit happy 'n dumb,

I’ll tell you how I became the Prince of a town called LINCOLN.

 

In Glendale I was born and raised

On the playground is where I spent most of my days.

Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin all cool,

And runnin' some foo'baw outside of the school.

 

When a guy named Busch wandered into my 'hood,

Offerin' me a scholarship to Nebraska that's good.

I thought that was tight and my dad, "Son...

You can get yourself an education and play ball at LINCOLN."

 

I'm stoaked and exicted, can't put it another way.

Got my suitcases packed and I wait for the day

When I graduate high school and buy me a ticket

To head to to the land of corn and just kick it!

 

I should have my BA around 2011

from school in the midwest thats considered football heaven.

I look foward to my years of rulin' my kingdom,

To fill my throne as the Prince of LINCOLN.

[gamecocks 6]

WOW, good job Hack.

[Blackshirtsguru 182]

i want him to be a husker if for nothing else because of his name.

 

for a while, i was kinda concened that with blake leaving, we might see a drop off in talent.

 

what was i thinking?

The Fresh Prince of Lincoln?

 

oh, now you done it...

 

Now this is the story all about how,

My life got flipped, turned upside down,

And I’d like to take a minute, so sit happy 'n dumb,

I’ll tell you how I became the Prince of a town called LINCOLN.

 

In Glendale I was born and raised

On the playground is where I spent most of my days.

Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin all cool,

And runnin' some foo'baw outside of the school.

 

When a guy named Busch wandered into my 'hood,

Offerin' me a scholarship to Nebraska that's good.

I thought that was tight and my dad, "Son...

You can get yourself an education and play ball at LINCOLN."

 

I'm stoaked and exicted, can't put it another way.

Got my suitcases packed and I wait for the day

When I graduate high school and buy me a ticket

To head to to the land of corn and just kick it!

 

I should have my BA around 2011

from school in the midwest thats considered football heaven.

I look foward to my years of rulin' my kingdom,

To fill my throne as the Prince of LINCOLN.

He's Rick James...Beotch!

[huskered17 211]

hack, you may be ahead of your time.

 

 

GBR!!!

[Hunter94 703]

seriously guys, this kid could b a solid db and provide some fireworks on kick and punt returns too.....i think he sees playing time right away...this will be a talked about "get" next year

[BIGREDIOWAN 2,236]

I think he is going to bring some noise come next year...........

[desertshox 574]

I know Arizona was on him late. I think ASU had to much turmoil going on up there to notice anyone. He played in 4A, 5A is the bigger high school's in Arizona. Might be why he got looked at late with some of the other college's. There is well over a million people in the Phoenix area and a lot of good players.

 

 

GBR!!!

 

over 5 million now.

[Washusker 0]

In "the Prince's" final HS game, he ran for 366 yards and four TDs.

 

 

I think we are getting one heck of a sleeper here, folks...

[T-BONE 0]

yeah they all have great high school stats though! Maybe bad D on the other teams part?

[Washusker 0]

It was a playoff game that Prince's team lost, so I don't think that's the case.

[HUSKERJIMMY 0]

i want him to be a husker if for nothing else because of his name.

 

for a while, i was kinda concened that with blake leaving, we might see a drop off in talent.

 

what was i thinking?

The Fresh Prince of Lincoln?

 

oh, now you done it...

 

Now this is the story all about how,

My life got flipped, turned upside down,

And I’d like to take a minute, so sit happy 'n dumb,

I’ll tell you how I became the Prince of a town called LINCOLN.

 

In Glendale I was born and raised

On the playground is where I spent most of my days.

Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin all cool,

And runnin' some foo'baw outside of the school.

 

When a guy named Busch wandered into my 'hood,

Offerin' me a scholarship to Nebraska that's good.

I thought that was tight and my dad, "Son...

You can get yourself an education and play ball at LINCOLN."

 

I'm stoaked and exicted, can't put it another way.

Got my suitcases packed and I wait for the day

When I graduate high school and buy me a ticket

To head to to the land of corn and just kick it!

 

I should have my BA around 2011

from school in the midwest thats considered football heaven.

I look foward to my years of rulin' my kingdom,

To fill my throne as the Prince of LINCOLN.

That is just awesome.......MADD SKILLZ YO!!!! WURD!

[Eric the Red 534]

[BIGREDIOWAN 2,236]

Here's our all purpose man!!! Maybe now we can bust a few punt returns and kickoffs

[Blackshirtsguru 182]

and now we cue the Band signing Hacks one and only hand written song....The Fresh Prince of Lincoln!

 

Now this is the story all about how,

My life got flipped, turned upside down,

And I’d like to take a minute, so sit happy 'n dumb,

I’ll tell you how I became the Prince of a town called LINCOLN.

 

In Glendale I was born and raised

On the playground is where I spent most of my days.

Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin all cool,

And runnin' some foo'baw outside of the school.

 

When a guy named Busch wandered into my 'hood,

Offerin' me a scholarship to Nebraska that's good.

I thought that was tight and my dad, "Son...

You can get yourself an education and play ball at LINCOLN."

 

I'm stoaked and exicted, can't put it another way.

Got my suitcases packed and I wait for the day

When I graduate high school and buy me a ticket

To head to to the land of corn and just kick it!

 

I should have my BA around 2011

from school in the midwest thats considered football heaven.

I look foward to my years of rulin' my kingdom,

To fill my throne as the Prince of LINCOLN.

[BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA 59]

Awesome news! Welcome Prince! A key member of the Arizona connection.

[Eric the Red 534]

Prince Amukamara

ATH 6-1 180 Glendale, Ariz. - Apollo HS

“I felt a comfort level there immediately, like right when I checked into the hotel and when I was around the players. I could see myself spending the next four or five years at Nebraska.”

[Spartness 7]

Do some of you think he may get a look at CB as a possible replacement for David Ross? He's apparently a tremendous athlete, and even though he HC coach thinks he should play on offense, it may be worth a try.

[melscott62 174]

Do some of you think he may get a look at CB as a possible replacement for David Ross? He's apparently a tremendous athlete, and even though he HC coach thinks he should play on offense, it may be worth a try.

 

 

is there any film on this kid? I am going to be very interested to see what the coaches do with him

[chuckd 0]

Do some of you think he may get a look at CB as a possible replacement for David Ross? He's apparently a tremendous athlete, and even though he HC coach thinks he should play on offense, it may be worth a try.

 

 

is there any film on this kid? I am going to be very interested to see what the coaches do with him

 

The offensive film on him is electric, I think he will definitely be used in the KR and/or PR game. However, I think he is going to start out on the defensive side of the ball. He is a tremendous athlete and we need young corners. If I remember correctly, Mike Brown was the Player of the Year in Arizona his senior season as a running back. I'd say he made a pretty good transition to the defensive side of the ball.

[BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA 59]

Do some of you think he may get a look at CB as a possible replacement for David Ross? He's apparently a tremendous athlete, and even though he HC coach thinks he should play on offense, it may be worth a try.

 

 

is there any film on this kid? I am going to be very interested to see what the coaches do with him

 

The offensive film on him is electric, I think he will definitely be used in the KR and/or PR game. However, I think he is going to start out on the defensive side of the ball. He is a tremendous athlete and we need young corners. If I remember correctly, Mike Brown was the Player of the Year in Arizona his senior season as a running back. I'd say he made a pretty good transition to the defensive side of the ball.

Yes Brown was the Arizona player of the year. The Arizona Republic had him as the state's top RB and DB.

[strigori 687]

it may depend on how dangerous he is with the ball. If some of the recent stuff i read is right, he is killer with the ball. If that is the case, it may be prudent to keep him on offense. The injury situation with the RBs may also keep him on that side of the ball.