If your team is in need of a wide receiver, and you like YAC (yards after catch). You are going to love Chukwuerika “Erik” Ezukanma!
Erik has been blessed with elite size, 6’3 220 lbs, and above average speed. Explosive and balanced while running his routes and after the catch, a simple arm tackle will not get him down. He is fearless and violent and always looking to hit the DB, not the other way around. Ezukanma uses his solid frame to shield off defenders on 50/50 balls, as well as his leaping ability, strong hands,and large catch radius. All of these attributes have enabled Erik to be an outstanding red zone threat.
During his career he has shown fantastic ball skills. He makes most catches with his hands (similiar to what Eagles receiver Quez Watkins did in college) at the high point. Erik also displays really good ball tracking ability. He is elusive once the ball in his hands and he never goes down easily, utilizing his great balance and body control.
Michael Macon, the senior writer for Viva The Matadors, described Erik. “He’s just a physically dominant receiver. With his combination of height, strength, and speed he’s a matchup nightmare. There aren’t many guys in the NFL even who could take him in a jump ball. He’s got outstanding hands, doesn’t have drop problems, and can reel in the tough catches.”
Ezukanma has been showing off all of these traits since his days at Timber Creek High School in Ft Worth, Texas. The Fort Worth native had a breakout season his High School Junior year when he hauled in 1447 receiving yds and 20 td’s.
That same year, the Timber Creek High School junior became the only player from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to make the Maxpreps 2016 Junior All-American Team. He was also named Associated Press all state, District 3–6A Offensive MVP and is selected as a part of the Star Telegram super team.
During his Senior year he described where he saw his future heading, as well as some advice to other students.
“In five years, I see myself as a senior in college furthering my education to get my degree, or making my dream come true by making my run in the NFL,” he beamed. “The advice I give (to students) is to put yourself around the right people that will bring you up, not down. Create a brand of yourself, put in a lot of work on and off the field, and last but not least, take advantage of every opportunity you get, because you will never know if you will get it again.”
He finished his High School career with 2,471 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. “Eazy E” added another dimension to the offense by rushing for 383 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. A role he continued in college, and will in the NFL.
Following graduation, Erik committed to Texas Tech. In 2018 he appeared in 2 games as a red shirt and scored the first touchdown of his career. A precursor of things to come.
By season’s end in 2019, Erik was the top offensive weapon for the Red Raiders and was a member of the Captains Circle (which speaks volumes to how his teammates regarded him.) Ezukanma became the first receiver since Michael Crabtree in 2007 to lead the Red Raiders in receiving yards as a freshman, 42–664–4.
In 10 games during the 2020 season Erik had 46 catches for 748 yards and 6 td’s. He earned first team All big 12 honors, being recognized as one of best WR in the Big 12 conference.
Last year, 2021, was more of the same production Texas Tech had become accustomed to. He played in 11 games reeling in 48 receptions for 705 yards and 4 td’s. He also continued his versatile play by adding 10 carries for 138 yards and 2 td’s.
During his college career at Texas Tech, the Red Raiders utilized Erik in a variety of ways. The sole purpose was to get the ball into their playmakers hand. If he makes the first man miss, he is usually gone. Using his elusive and quick style of play, Erik lined up on the outside, the slot, and in motion. He was also used on wide receiver screens, as a running back in wildcat formations, and on jet sweeps.
Erik finished his collegiate career as a two time Big 12 honoree with an impressive 138 receptions for 2165 yards and 15 td’s, despite being the focal point for opposing defenses and facing a lot of double teams.
With the 2022 NFL draft approaching, Erik has realized his 2017 premonition mentioned above, and is “making his run” to the NFL just like he stated. He already has patterned his game after two very successful wideouts.
“A guy like Justin Jefferson, I feel like we have a similar body type,” Ezukanma said. “I love the way he runs routes, as well as Keenan Allen. And I want to model my game after those guys because of how they run routes as well as their size.”
Erik also described what he will bringing to whichever NFL team drafts him.
“Every time I touch the ball, I’m looking to score, regardless of where I’m at on the field. At running back, when you get the ball in the backfield, you’re running downhill. At receiver, when I catch a curl or comeback, I’m turning upfield, trying to get contact as soon as I get the ball and trying to score.”
Some scouts have opined that Erik has a similar build as Davante Adams, and that might be what attracted the Packers GM to him at the combine.
Following their team interview with Texas Tech WR Erik Ezukanma; the Packers GM, Brian Gutekunst, stated “We see a lot of similarities to Tee Higgins and could see Erik in that complimentary role to Davante.”
Now that Davante is gone, maybe they see him as his replacement.
One thing is for sure, whoever drafts Ezukanma during this April’s draft is going to get a player dedicated to taking care of their body and craft. Particularly his route running.
“That’s the biggest thing that I’m working on at this moment. I feel like I have all the other intangibles. But you can never get perfect at route running. You can always get better at that, and make sure you have that ability.”
He wants all NFL teams to know that he is ready to contribute.
“Put me anywhere on the field, and I’ll get the job done for you.”
As always, Thank You for reading!
David
Follow me @PHLEagleNews
4/4/2022