Erik Ezukanma Explained

Erik Ezukanma
Current Team:Miami Dolphins
Number:18
Position:Wide receiver
Birth Date:25 January 2000
Birth Place:Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lb:206
High School:Timber Creek
(Fort Worth, Texas)
College:Texas Tech (2018–2021)
Draftyear:2022
Draftround:4
Draftpick:125
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Highlights:
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Receptions
Statvalue1:1
Statlabel2:Receiving yards
Statvalue2:3
Statlabel3:Receiving touchdowns
Pfr:EzukEr00

Chukwuerika "Erik" Ezukanma (;[1] born January 25, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas Tech.

Early years

Ezukanma attended Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2015, as a sophomore, he was a second-team all-district selection. The next year, Ezukanma was an AP 6A first-team all-state selection and was named the District 3-6A Offensive MVP.[2] Ezukanma finished his senior season with 37 receptions for 687 yards and nine touchdowns.[3]

On December 20, 2017, Ezukanma signed his letter of intent for Texas Tech as a 4-star recruit.[4]

College career

Ezukanma saw limited playing during his freshman season, appearing in only two games. He caught his first collegiate touchdown from Colt Garret in the Red Raiders' game against Lamar.[5]

Ezukanma was added to the watch list for the Fred Biletnikoff Award in the middle of the 2020 season.[6] On November 28, against Oklahoma State, Ezukanma finished with seven receptions for a career high 183 yards along with two touchdowns.[7] At the end of the season, Ezukanma was named first-team All-Big 12 Conference.[8]

Coming into the 2021 season, Ezukanma was included on the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award and the Fred Biletnikoff Award.[9] [10] He was also selected to the preseason first-team All-Big 12.[11] Ezukanma broke his arm in the spring prior to the season, but was able to play in the team's season opener against Houston, finishing the game with seven receptions for 179 yards.[12] [13] After the conclusion of the regular season, Ezukanma was named second-team All-Big 12.[14]

On December 23, 2021, Ezukanma announced that he would declare for the NFL draft.[15]

Statistics

SeasonTeamGPReceivingRushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD
Texas Tech2 2 48 24.0 1 0 0 0.0 0
Texas Tech11 42 664 15.8 4 0 0 0.0 0
Texas Tech10 46 748 16.3 6 0 0 0.0 0
Texas Tech11 48 705 14.7 4 10 138 13.8 2
Career 34 138 2,165 15.7 15 10 138 13.8 2

Professional career

Ezukanma was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round (125 overall) of the 2022 NFL draft.[16] Ezukanma made his NFL debut in Week 18 against the New York Jets, recording his first career catch on a three–yard reception from Skylar Thompson.[17]

He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury on September 29, 2023.[18]

Personal life

Ezukanma is the son of Lawrette Ezukanma. He is one of seven siblings.[19]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Player Name Pronunciations . August 21, 2022 . MiamiDolphins.com.
  2. Web site: Erik Ezukanma, Texas Tech, Wide Receiver . November 14, 2021 . 247 Sports.
  3. Web site: Erik Ezukanma High School Football Stats Timber Creek (Fort Worth, TX) . November 14, 2021 . Max Preps.
  4. Web site: Erik Ezukanma Timeline Events . November 14, 2021 . 247 Sports.
  5. Web site: September 8, 2018 . Texas Tech most points since '05 in 77-0 shutout over Lamar . November 14, 2021 . . Associated Press.
  6. Web site: June 22, 2021 . Two Red Raiders make Biletnikoff watch list . November 14, 2021 . KAMC.
  7. Web site: Clark . Ronald . November 28, 2020 . Texas Tech's comeback falls short against Oklahoma State . November 14, 2021 . KCBD.
  8. Web site: December 17, 2020 . 2020 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced . November 14, 2021 . Big 12 Conference.
  9. Web site: 2021 Maxwell Award Watch List . November 14, 2021 . Maxwell Football Club.
  10. Web site: 2021 Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List . November 14, 2021 . Tallahassee Quarterback Club Association.
  11. Web site: 2021 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team . November 14, 2021 . Big 12 Conference.
  12. Web site: July 15, 2021 . Matt Wells provides update on Erik Ezukanma's injury recovery . November 14, 2021 . KAMC.
  13. Web site: September 4, 2021 . Shough, Brooks lead Texas Tech to 38-21 win over Houston . November 14, 2021 . . Associated Press.
  14. Web site: December 2, 2021 . 2021 All-Big 12 Football Team . December 7, 2021 . Big 12 Conference.
  15. Web site: Clark . James . December 23, 2021 . Texas Tech's Ezukanma to pursue his dreams in 2022 NFL draft . December 23, 2021 . Everything Lubbock.
  16. Web site: April 30, 2022 . The Reaction: Miami Dolphins Select WR Erik Ezukanma with No. 125 Pick . February 15, 2023 . MiamiDolphins.com.
  17. Web site: Masala . Mike . February 8, 2023 . Dolphins WR Erik Ezukanma explains difficulty in jumping to the NFL . 2024-06-11 . Dolphins Wire. USA Today . en.
  18. Web site: Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves. MiamiDolphins.com. September 29, 2023.
  19. Web site: Erik Ezukanma - Football . Texas Tech Red Raiders . 7 June 2024 . en.