Ekwonu Strives for Success in First Season with Wolfpack

The 2019 season is quickly approaching, and many N.C. State players are still looking to earn their playing time moving forward. One of these players is freshman offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu who, even as a first-year player, is ready to face any obstacle in his way.

“I obviously want to start, but I’m going to take it a day at a time to see where they fit me in,” Ekwonu said. “I’m going to work as hard as I possibly can, and whatever happens, happens. It’s definitely mentally and physically taxing a little bit, but I’m having a lot of fun out here."

Coming out of Providence Day School in Charlotte, Ekwonu entered summer camp looking to make an impact as a student-athlete. Though he hasn’t seen in-game action yet, he’s already made strides in the classroom that he will look to continue upon as the Fall semester begins.

“I came from a pretty academically high-achieving school, so I think that helped me transition to college,” Ekwonu said. “I actually wound up finishing the summer with a 4.0 which is a goal I came into the summer with, and I’m glad that I was able to execute that. I’m looking forward to this Fall schedule.”

Led by new offensive line coach John Garrison, the Wolfpack’s O-line corps has been continuing to build off its success from previous years under Dwayne Ledford. Ekwonu has been adapting to Garrison’s regime and started gelling well with his fellow offensive linemen.

“Coach Garrison met with us and all the freshmen throughout the summer,” Ekwonu said. “He was really excited for the group to come in here. He’s been working with us a lot, and he’s been helping me with my steps and technique.

“I think we’ve got really good chemistry. Over the summer we went on a rafting trip, and that did a lot chemistry-wise. I think we’re all buddies in there. We hold each other accountable which is good for our position group.”

The Wolfpack has had several success stories come out of the program. With Garrett Bradbury and Bradley Chubb selected as first-round NFL Draft picks in the last two seasons despite entering college as undervalued prospects, this developmental side of N.C. State has been useful to market to potential recruits. Ekwonu saw this when the time came to choose where he wanted to play.

“The last two years have had stories like Bradbury,” Ekwonu said. “He came in as a tight end, and they developed him into a top-15 pick. Chubb was the same way. He was undersized, and they developed him into a top-five pick. There’s obviously a pattern here, and I’m just glad to be a part of it."

N.C. State will take on East Carolina on Aug. 31, and Ekwonu will emerge from the tunnel at Carter-Finley Stadium for the first time alongside his teammates. Once the first footballs are kicked off to officially start the 2019 campaign there’s little to stop Ekwonu and the Wolfpack from tasting victory.

“Our potential is really high,” Ekwonu said. “We click a lot on offense, and the defense is no joke this year.  We all have high expectations for the team, so we’re really excited to see where it goes.”